There’s so much happening in the world right now. Uncertainty, risk of infection, instability, progress, discord, unity, fear, hope, isolation, connection – the whole range of possibilities laid out in front of us it seems.
I fully support the Black Live Matter movement and hope the protestors and supporters can help us move our country into a richer, more just, vibrant, and peaceful world. Right now it’s messy and complex, but let’s keep the faith and hold on to each other and hold each other up.
What’s happening in your personal life and how is the outer world affecting you and your healing?
I’ve spent the past 3 weeks caring for my husband who went in for ileostomy reversal surgery and ended up having one serious complication after the next. My nervous system has spent a lot of time in flight or flight. He had an emergency surgery from an infection and has a ways to go.
I know this story may resonate for many of you in terms of your own experience. It’s so hard. When you are in it, you realize how lucky you are just to survive each day.
Yet afterward, you often (thankfully) forget what an ordeal it was. While forgetting the hardest parts may be a blessing, it doesn’t help your healing to forget or pretend that you HAVE BEEN THROUGH A TRIAL.
Why? Because even if you don’t remember every detail, your body and psyche do and they need both rest and permission to feel-whatever the emotions may be that still need to come up.
Don’t push yourself too hard or expect too much too soon.
How can you soften that inner critic? How can you really listen to your body and what it needs and give yourself grace and time and space so your deeper healing can take place after the crisis of acute illness and treatment?
I’ve been very frightened at times over these past few weeks. Here are a few of my go to practices that I found helpful:
http://www.kellyinselmann.com/videos/victory-breath-to-lower-anxiety/
http://www.kellyinselmann.com/videos/overcoming-panic-and-anxiety/
http://www.kellyinselmann.com/videos/move-the-body-balance-the-mind-warm-ups/
Sending love and strength to all of you. I’ve been proud seeing the social justice posts of fellow JoyBooters! Stay focused on your own safety and healing during this time, even as you lend you prayers and support to others. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your prayers and positive vibes.
