TIMES OF UNPRECEDENTED TRAUMA, GRIEF & DISBELIEF
I have kept quiet on all my platforms. Fear blocking my ability to share in a way that felt authentic, true and helpful.
I'm sure I will not form the perfect sentences, you might disagree with some or perhaps all of what I write here.
I'm not about to launch into a political rant, for, I do not know enough. I probably never will.
So, I did think of myself, how I am feeling, what actions have I been taking.
I also reflected on the fact I'm an HSP, My empathy is sometimes untethered, tears falling from my eyes as I watch a mother cradle her son weeping, as I witness the fear on the faces of children and devastation, that could be me, you, us, but it is in fact, not us. We are safe. So, what can we do...
If I let my heavy wounded heart get the better of me, I will spiral, however, that is no use to anyone. So I wanted to share a few short ideas, helpful links and also a blissful rejuvenating and deeply restful free meditation.
I will try to keep my political opinions to myself, however, I inhabit ahimsa, non violence. I am calling for peace, I call for a ceasefire, I do not think one life is more valuable than another. I call for peace on earth, start to instigate change in a world that feels terrifying and like it's slipping through our fingers.
1. A donation is a donation, even if you only have a small amount of money spare, donate where you can.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gaza-what-you-can-do-to-help
https://www.un.org/en/situation-in-occupied-palestine-and-israel/donate
2. Use your voice, sign what petitions you can, that you believe in. Also, spread love, reach out to your family, friends. This maybe seem wafty and futile, but love is one of the strongest things we can utilise during these times of fear and grief.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/demand-a-ceasefire-by-all-parties-to-end-civilian-suffering/
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/648292
3. Coming together to send messages of peace is profoundly healing and transformative. It may seem empty, self indulgent even, but make time to speak words of peace, love and justice.
Repeat mantras that mean the world to you.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.
lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now samastah: all beings sharing that same location sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence antu: may it be so, it must be so (antu used as an ending here transforms this mantra into a powerful pledge)
4. Know when to take a break. This maybe be unpopular, but we can't always read the news and reports all the time. I am an HSP and have to interact with the news/reports, social media and images with caution. I do not let this create apathy. But as an HSP images will stay with me for years, I cry at the tragedy and trauma. I still give myself moments of pure escapism, I read, watch the Bake Off and distract myself.
5. Keep on taking care of yourself, and allow yourself moments of joy.
If we are to fight the good fight, we need to be strong, it's ok to carry on loving and laughing, so we can stay strong and able to create the world we want for our children.
Again, this may not be a popular opinion, I've read about other teachers, healers and practitioners having to cancel classes because the devastation is just too much. Affecting them too much to guide and lead. But surely this is the time we are all needed, to help guide each other towards a better future. To continue to heal, to spread our words and thoughts. To be of service.
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I feel ill equipped to be posting about this. I don’t know enough. I fear my words are messy, could be met with ridicule. I’m already fearful that the words I’ve written are powerless, ridiculous in a world that is full of so much pain. But I felt I had to. Yoga is political. Healing is not just “levelling up” and self improvement. Yoga was always about collective healing, non-violence and peace.
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A free meditation to help you through these times of uncertainty and sadness.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hYjC2PqG3yi35mGEqC0oj?si=9b8c55c6c8494f9b