The current pandemic has heightened our stress and anxiety levels.
In the best of times we all have our moments when we feel the tightness in our chest, the heat rise in our bodies, the sensation of feeling like we’re free falling with no bottom in sight. Some call this anxiety. Some call it gripped with fear. It’s like we see the wall coming at us and we can’t slow down the inevitable crash.
The current pandemic has heightened our stress and anxiety levels. Because, we’re now dealing with financial, emotional and psychological activities all at once. Now, I know it’s not all bad. For some, it’s been an experience of going inside and cleaning house so to speak; getting in better shape physically, reconnecting with family in a way that’s more meaningful, and fulfilling while still working and getting paid.
Today, I’m going to talk about being in the grip of anxiety and fear of seeing your savings dwindle, of feeling emotionally vulnerable and where the committee of the mind is running rampant with all the doom and gloom scenarios. How do you move through and beyond that?
I recently had a moment where I found myself in that old story of scarcity and not enough. The tightness was in my chest, the heat rising in my body and my intellect running rampant. I was beginning to panic about my future. I knew the signs, and I even know what to do when these sensations rise up inside of me. In a moment, I had forgotten one key element; to let myself BE in it. And then a gift presented.
Recognize the Gift…
I’m so fortunate, I have people in my life who constantly remind me of who and what I am. My cousin, who is also an incredible friend, called because, as she said, “her soul told her to.” At the time, I was busy doing laundry, cleaning, listening to music, everything to distract myself from what was moving inside. Her call was an invitation, for me to give myself permission, to ‘STOP’ and ‘BE’ in all that was swirling inside me…I didn’t realize, I was being swept up in the storm.
There are always lessons…
With just a few words, the words I have said to her many times over the years, I let the tears come. The word that rose swiftly to the surface was “Surrender!” Not from a place of defeat, rather a place of release. Like falling back in a pool of water and letting it all rush over, knowing you will rise to the surface. I had lessons to learn, they include:
- Asking for help from a place of strength.
- Seeing the resources at my disposal when I stop long enough.
- Acknowledging I’m surrounded by many who love and care about me.
- Being grateful for ALL that I have in my life.
Life is not always easy, or fun. There are times when we create situations that seem to push us to our edge. It’s in these moments we’re invited to remember the four lessons above, and engage a process that invites and allows us to ‘stay present’ to ourSELF. When we have others bear witness, we get to discover the resilience, innovation and creativity and that lives within us.
I’m here… to listen, bear witness, invite, and engage in conversations that creates the space for you to elevate yourself into new states of being.
Until the next time!
Lisa