Integritus Prime

This past week has been a transition from productivity to more sleep and rest. As I reflect on one of my recent messages on Mornings with Marilyn, I realize the universality of change. Change is constant. When things feel “stable” it’s usually because outer change is less visible, less tangible. For example, when there’s no pandemic or other disaster in our faces. But even in these “stable” times, change is happening constantly outside and inside us. The weather is constantly in flux, and our cells are dying and being replaced. We are filled with change.

To always want stability when change is our nature, is to miss countless opportunities to learn and live well. Some of us cope with uncertainty by escaping via emotional eating, alcoholism, drugs, gaming, or other addictions. These are forms of self-abuse that leave us worse off, and don’t address the underlying emotions and stress. Currently, the world might feel vastly uncertain due to the Omicron wave, natural disasters (take your pic: drought, fires, hurricanes or cyclones, and more) and underlying climate change, job insecurity, failing economies, increased domestic violence, disrupted education systems, and rising civil unrest.

We may feel nothing is within our control. We are wrong.

Certain things are always within our control (unless we are unable to control our basic mental and physical functions due to injury or illness). I want to share 4 tips that always help me when I am faced with uncertainty, and want to find serenity:

1. Focus on what you can control: This includes your mindset, choices, body, and actions. Think positively, cultivate gratitude, eat and drink healthy to nourish your body, and make decisions that keep you in a sound state, such as limiting social media and questionable news sources, setting boundaries with toxic people, and balancing work with rest and play. Following protocols can save lives, so do all you can to stay safe and promote the safety of those around you.
2. Surrender what you cannot control: The pandemic, the variants of the corona virus, disasters, other people and their attitudes and behaviors, are all beyond your control (unless you have dependants, then you’re responsible for their wellbeing). Release the tendency to take in what others do and say, and become upset or unhappy. Set strong boundaries when another person’s actions or choices harm you.
3. Stay slow and present: Many of us have a tendency to rush through tasks, eager to achieve something or move on to the next goal or challenge. This disconnects us from ourselves and from the now. Learn to slow down and appreciate life as it’s happening. Many opportunities exist in the present moment, and if we rush by, we will never be able to access those opportunities again.
4. Meditate and journal: Find a method of meditation that works for you, whether it’s sitting with your eyes closed, being in your garden, running, walking, swimming, doing yoga, or listening to soothing music. Make it a habit to take time for meditation and contemplation, including writing down your thoughts – these reflections help you process and release emotions and worries, making you feel lighter and better able to handle whatever chaos is happening around you. Learn to observe your mind and listen to your body, instead of staying attached to your thoughts and emotions.

Share with me your thoughts on serenity – what works for you?