We find that humanity is in the midst of multiple crises.
In order for us to thrive,
We must not cave to the pressures of the moment,
But to rise into our power and protect our earth and all those people and animals therein.
We must take care of ourselves in this process,
To keep from becoming hopeless,
Burning out,
Weakening our immune systems,
And losing our humanity to apathy.
We must not fall prey to spiritual bypassing,
Where we coddle ourselves with toxic positivity,
Avoidance,
Numbing,
Or phobia of discomfort,
But allow ourselves to feel the righteous anger and fear,
Without self-judgment.
This honesty with ourselves,
This authentic reckoning with the world we live in and contribute to,
Is what will give us the courage and strength to create change.
Let's start with some orienting.
Take a moment to look around your space.
What is below you?
Above you?
In front of you?
To your left?
To your right?
Behind you?
Below?
You are here,
Now.
You are safe.
Let's bring your hands together,
Rub them vigorously and create some heat.
As you breathe deeply,
Place your warm hands wherever your body is calling.
Allow the heat of your hands to sink in and create that soothing sensation that only you can bring for yourself.
In a moment we will begin acknowledging our discomfort,
So feel free to pause the recording and stay here as long as you need,
Or take breaks and return to this grounding at any time.
While we have to acknowledge the pain and discomfort we're feeling,
We also don't wish to flood ourselves,
So listen to your intuition and take breaks as needed.
From this place of safety that you have wrought,
This groundedness,
Deeply connected to yourself and the space around you,
Allow yourself to tap into the feelings that promoted you to choose this practice.
Perhaps it was an article you read,
Or a conversation you had or overheard today.
Maybe it's a thought or fear that continues to sap your energy and roll around in your head endlessly.
As you bring this material to mind,
Start to notice where it is resonating in your body.
This may be immediately obvious,
Or it may take some time to identify.
Continue to breathe naturally,
Not trying to control your breath,
But just being aware of it as you allow your attention to focus on where this material is showing up for you.
Once you've located it,
Take a moment to observe.
What shape or shapes is it taking?
What color or colors are present?
Would you describe it as dense?
Wispy?
Soft?
Opaque?
Keep observing it,
Noticing its detail as you continue to breathe.
Open to the idea that you have a way of shifting this feeling.
We want to make it manageable,
But not take away its power to motivate us for action.
This exercise is to shrink or move it so that it becomes mobilizing rather than paralyzing.
Engaging with your imagination,
Trust your intuition and call upon it to interact with the somatic manifestation of the material.
We will stay here for about 10 breaths.
Remember that you can pause or return to the grounding practice at any time.
I will breathe with you as you allow your intuition to do its thing.
Ready?
Last breath.
Now that you have decreased the intensity,
Engage the problem-solving part of your brain while keeping integrity with your intuition.
What action or mobilization could you take that would confront the issue you brought into this session?
Would it help,
Perhaps,
To be in community?
Is there material you can seek out to become more informed?
Could you practice advocacy by reaching out to a representative,
Board,
Or other deciding body?
Could you find an organization to join?
Could you donate time to those groups already doing the work?
Perhaps there's work to be done in your home,
With family,
Friends,
Or neighbors,
By opening up conversations.
Maybe there's some combination of these ideas that resonates.
Or maybe there's some other action entirely that is tapping on your psyche,
Asking to be let in.
We will take another 10 breaths here for you to contemplate these questions and allow the commitment to action to swell within your heart.
Ready?
Last one.
I hope this practice has provided you with a way to confront your deep fear.
Thank you for your bravery,
Authenticity,
And willingness to work with this material.
Remember today to also take time for joy,
Rest,
And gratitude.
Thank you for joining me and taking the time to honor and nurture yourself.
