Empowered presence
Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot!
Yes those are lyrics from a tv sitcom written over 40 years ago (how many words did you read before you started singing along?), and when they popped into my head this morning they felt like a timeless truth. This world is hard, we need a break!
While distractions, denial, escapism, and mood-altering substances can provide some relief, what is truly helpful when we’re feeling burdened with worries? When we’re dealing with natural disasters and threats and insults and attacks on our physical, mental, and emotional selves, on our families, on our neighbors and communities, on our environment?
An essential first step is mindfulness. I know, not very sexy! But tried and true for a reason. Drop awareness into the body, the senses, the breath, connect with a quiet, watchful place, and settle into the present. It is calming, nourishing, and stabilizing, and from there it is easier to summon up “everything we’ve got” — to tap into and call forth confidence, resourcefulness, and resilience.
I know that so many are struggling right now and finding it challenging to access and embody those qualities. I created a guided meditative practice to offer that I think can help — “Empowered Presence” (password chakragift). It’s about ten minutes long and you can stream or download it for free. Try it and let me know how it goes!
For those feeling battered and buffeted by outside forces and in need of a boost of energy, clarity, or resolve, I hope you’ll join me in my next online group session or meet with me one-on-one. I am glad to offer healing and support.
