What a month it has been so far. Even if you don’t follow the news closely, politically or otherwise, the fear and in some cases panic about Covid-19 is all around us. While federal agencies have declared the Corona virus a pandemic, the real pandemic is fear.
While many thousands have contracted the virus, millions are falling victim to the fear that appears to be even more contagious than the physical illness.
Yet, we can disengage from the free-floating hysteria out there in this moment by choosing peace. Taking a deep, healing breath, relaxing our shoulders, unclenching our jaws, and turning our attention within, we can introduce a distance, a sacred separation between the chaos outside and our internal state. With the simple but powerful tools of our awareness and intention, we can create a calm, steady state within.
“Wait, what?!” Our ego jumps in immediately with inflammatory questions and accusations. Do these statements, or ones like them, come up in your mind?
How can you be calm? You’ve got to be prepared!
Don’t you care about what’s going on in the world?
Don’t let this catch you off-guard!
Don’t be naive, you’ve got to face reality!
Do any of those sound familiar? The truth is, the fearful voice of our ego doesn’t want us to be at peace; it is most content when we are discontent. Its purpose is to keep us safe, and the most effective way to do that is to keep us in a perpetual state of agitation.
Right here is where I would like to make a very clear distinction:
Being calm does not mean we are unaware, naive, or uncaring. Being calm does not mean we do not prepare and take wise action.
It is absolutely possible to be aware of the current situation, the new guidelines regarding public places and policies, and still be peaceful. It is possible, and even preferable to be in a calm internal state as plans are amended, and we thoughtfully go about our daily lives.
How? How do we not let ourselves be drawn into the drama of 24/7 social media and news world and remain peaceful? Here are some strategies to help you keep calm and carry on:
- Don’t watch or read any more news than is necessary to stay informed
- Do your own thinking. We do not serve ourselves well by being chameleon-like and taking on whatever discourse is going on around us.
- Take wise action, not panicked action
- Spend time in nature, take a walk outside
- Do things that bring you joy. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy some down time, start a fun project you’ve been thinking of, or order a book online and enjoy a great novel
- Realize most of this is beyond our control. We do what we can to be smart and safe and then let it go.
Worry is a deductive creature. It promises much, but delivers nothing of value. When we worry, our heart rates increase, our blood pressure goes up, stress hormones flood our system, weakening the very immune system we need to be in top shape. It does not contribute even one positive thing to our lives, but diminishes our inner peace and overall well-being.
So as the stories and alerts continue to pour in, make the bold choice to be calm. Choose to be peaceful amid the chaos. Stay informed, stay prepared, but do so from a place of inner steadiness and strength. You’ll be doing yourself and the collective a great service.
If you would like help creating a calm inner state or any other issue that is blocking your enjoyment of Life, I invite you to schedule a coaching session. It is my passion and purpose to support people in realizing their worth and their power to create and live the lives they dream of and deserve!
