As we continue to adapt to this difficult time on the planet, we are being asked to create new ways of living and being— to care more deeply for one another that we may end a pandemic and survive annual wildfires that have become “the new normal”, to acknowledge and attend to the dismantling of systemic racism within our country and within ourselves, and to work together to heal a climate crisis that isn’t out there in the future but already here and now.
As I write this evening, the thick wildfire smoke of the day is clearing a bit above the City of Napa. A temporary break in the ebb and flow of smokey and somewhat less smokey air. In this moment, I am able to see the eastern hills clearly out my living room window. I have been pausing to drink this in. Not in any “special” way, but with simple, straightforward acknowledgement of the blessing of a-little-bit-cleaner air. I receive the impact of this view in the softening body, noticing the truth: I am safe in this moment and I am able to drink this in. “Don’t know” how the wind will blow, but here and now is ok.
During these complex times there are five practices that support ease that I find myself leaning into each day:
- Notice moments where you experience a sense of “ok-ness” as they arise, inviting ease and supporting the calming of the nervous system (Where do you feel this sense of ease in the body?)
- Call back home the mind that worries forward into a future that is unknown. (Note to yourself, like a gentle whisper in the back of the mind, “don’t know”, calling on the truth of this moment with compassion.)
- Stay close to the Earth by feeling your feet on the ground with each step, feeling the support of the Earth beneath you and the trees that we breathe with, breath by breath. Remember the interdependence of all of life, and your part in that web.
- Remember that, in times of great challenge, it isn’t just “ok” to savor moments of ease as they arise, it’s imperative to our well-being. Pause throughout the day to drink in any and all subtle or expansive moments of ease as they arrive. Not grasping but receiving, allowing ease to come and go, savoring it while it’s here.
- When it is available, use the energy of ease and gratitude that arises to intentionally take part in a compassionate action each day. This may be an act of kindness toward your own precious being, an act of support toward the well-being of others (loved ones, pets, strangers, neighbors, community, country) or an action that helps the natural world. Savor the experience of gratitude, belonging, and/or sense of purpose that arises when we know that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves: we are a part of the healing of ourselves, our communities, and our world.
From my view, there is no better time than this very moment to keep our inner compass pointed in the direction of the daily life practices and circles of support that invite us to be grounded in the body, to align with fierce compassion, and to grow the courage and kindness needed to be a part of the healing of our hearts/minds and our world.
May we be well. May we remember our connection with all of life, one breath at a time. May we learn to care for one another and the Earth, day by day. May the Earth and all life know safety, healing and peace.