Election Ease

november 12: Moving forward

Get comfortable and listen to our meditation session…

Shift from why to how. Instead of asking “why…?” questions—which lead to rumination—ask “how…?” questions, which empower you. For example, “How can I create a community that supports my core values?” or “How will I take care of myself these next few months?”
Meaning and purpose. Reflect on the people, places, and activities that provide meaning for you. Actively bring these into your life. Wake up—at least twice a week—with a sense of purpose.
Self-compassion. Give yourself space to feel all the feels. It’s okay if you don’t do as much as usual. It’s okay if you feel raw. It’s okay if you set boundaries. Give yourself some grace.

Get comfortable and listen to our meditation session…

If you only have 5 minutes…

This is how things are right now. When you feel yourself caught in external or external storms, pause and say inward: “This is how things are right now. Not forever but for right now. And it’s okay.” (Bonus practice: Place your hand gently on your heart as you repeat the phrase.)
Straw breathing. Breathe in through you nose and breathe out through your mouth like you’re blowing through a straw—then gradually expand the outbreath. This is a stealth meditation! No one needs to know you’re doing it. When you feel stressed, straw breathe. When you read the news, straw breathe.
Letting go. Remember the quote from Sharon Salzberg: “This universe is much too big to hold on to, but it is the perfect size for letting go.” When you feel yourself holding onto the universe, make a shift: laugh, dance, go for a walk, shake out your arms, or sing. Let go by 1-degree.

Get comfortable and listen to our meditation session…

If you only have 5 minutes…

Just like me. Look through a crowd, take in people’s faces, and say inwardly, “Just like me, that person wants to be happy; just like me, that person wants to be free of suffering.” We all want to be happy. And we’re all interconnected. In traffic, grocery-store lines, and work meetings, look around and notice people’s eyes. Just like me, that person wants to be happy. When we realize this, it's easier to release our judging mind. Our hearts soften and the world widens
Appreciation practice. Think of someone in your life where the relationship is on autopilot (e.g., spouse, sibling, friend, coworker). Intentionally focus on what this person does well. Look for their good qualities. Notice the helpful things they do. Actively appreciate your person this week.
Acts of kindness. Create a daily kindness practice. Do something kind for someone you know or for a stranger. These acts of kindness can be small! It’s the intention that matters. At some point in your day, choose that moment to be kind. Be fully present. (If you’re endlessly kind you don’t need to do anything special, just pay more attention to one kind act a day. If you don’t often think about kindness then bring it more fully into your week.)

Get comfortable and listen to our meditation session…

If you only have 5 minutes…

Practice straw breathing. This is a stealth meditation! No one needs to know you’re doing it. When you feel stressed, straw breathe. When you read the news, straw breathe.
As you transition from one thing to another, do a few tree-in-autumn movements. Gather your energy and ground yourself.
When you feel caught in your thoughts (or in the news cycle), name 5 things you can see, close your eyes and name 4 things you can hear, and notice 3 things you can feel. Use the 5-4-3 practice anytime you need grounding.
When you’re outside, take a 3-breath pause and look at the sky. Notice the clouds or stars. Remember you’re part of something vast and beautiful.