Some Ways To Come Back To Self

It’s hard not to panic, right? It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and anxious and fearful. I feel that way too.

The important thing to remember is, you are not alone. We are in this together. Our family, our community, our villages, our nations, our human collective – all in this together.

Here are some ideas for how to find your way through these strange and challenging times – some ways back to self, back to centre, back to here, and here, and here….

Talk it out with someone. Speak your fears and be heard, seen, held, known.

Feel yourself supported by the earth, the ground beneath your feet.

Breathe.

Play with your kids. They are some of our wisest teachers. Let them remind you what is most important.

Get all wrapped up in a novel. A good one. Possibly a trilogy.

Indulge yourself in some sensual deliciousness – chocolate works for me. And wine. Malbec to be precise.

Coorie in. Get cosy. Snuggle up.

Help out – offer something useful to someone who needs support. Being of service to others takes us out of worrying for ourselves.

Cook up a lovely nourishing meal that feeds the body and the soul.

Find out what financial support is available to you right now. Contact your bank, your MP, Citizen’s Advice. Know your rights and get clear on what’s on offer.

Moisturise your hands. You’ve probably been washing them so much that they’re dry as a bone.

Have a text conversation with a friend using only gifs. Guaranteed to bring a giggle.

Remember that you are your pet’s favourite person.

Find reassurance in the fact that you have found yourself in hot water before and you handled it. You’ll handle this too. One day at a time.

Wrap yourself up in a shawl, a blanket, a duvet. Feel yourself enveloped in softness.

Let yourself off the hook for not being “productive”. It’s just not a relevant yard stick right now.

Pick up your phone and check in with your loved ones – voice to voice.

Ask for help. And if that makes you uncomfortable, get yourself to YouTube and watch Amanda Palmer’s TED talk.

Make something with your hands. The tangible, the tactile, the feel of working material in your hands can be incredibly soothing.

Compile a playlist on Spotify full of the music you love best.

Come back to your senses. Literally. Find beauty, seek pleasure, let yourself feel really good in your body, in this moment, in this place.

Limit your exposure to the news. It’s important to be informed – but don’t get sucked in.

Don’t panic buy, for fuck’s sake. There’s enough for all of us. And remember to contribute something to food banks. They’re really struggling right now.

Find that still point within and spend some time there.

And lastly, stick together, invest in your connections even if you have to self isolate – especially if you have to self isolate. Remember that the only constant is change, and this too shall pass. Promise promise.

Sending each and every one of you so much love right now. I am carrying you all in my heart and wishing you ease and comfort and peace and a soft safe place to land. May it be so.