Pause, Process, Proceed

Friends, we are in the thick. of. it. These are troubling and unsettling times. History shows us that we are not unique. History shows us all the -isms at play year after year. I say that not to diminish feelings, but to encourage us to turn to those who have come before us. We can learn from them and apply in in our circle of influence.

Dr. Amit Sood says that our circle of concern is large, so overwhelming, and too easy to access with the rise of social media and this world wide web. We have to return to our circle of influence, the place we can have impact and make a difference. In order to do this, we can take three easy steps to sift our energy in the moment.

1. PAUSE - stop what you are doing. Look up, redirect your gaze to something that brings you joy. While you look at joy, take three deep. cleansing breaths (into your belly and out through your mouth like a sigh).

2. PROCESS - where are you stuck? Are you ruminating on a comment someone made about your work? Are you what if-ing another senseless war? How are you feeling in your body and emotionally. Name both and be specific. "I am scared for my friends stationed in the middle east. I am holding my breath and distracted by the news." When you can name it, you can honor that feeling and decide whether or not it is helpful.

3. PROCEED - If it isn't helpful, then do something physical to release it. Dance it out, shake it out, run it out. but release it. If it comes back candidly remind it that you have released it and it can be free. If it is helpful, meaning it is within your sphere of influence, then take an action that addresses it head on. Maybe write to your legislator asking them to resist approving for troops to move in. Maybe call your friend and remind them of how much you love them.

We sometimes are buried until concerns of the world and don't consciously acknowledge it. We have power. We have agency. We have influence. AND the world can be heavy as fuck. It is okay to lighten your load and take action where you have impact.

We need you. We need your contribution.

You are priceless and worth the pause.