Finding Internal Peace and Hope When Life Around You is Chaotic
It is a challenging time in our world around us right now with the war in Ukraine and uncertainty in Europe and our own world here in North America regarding peace and relations of our closest friends and allies hangs in the balance. It is difficult to find the words to express this sadness and uncertainty as it is new for Canada, at least for most of us.
The closest experience perhaps to this uncertainty most of us are feeling is the experience we went through with Covid, when there was daily uncertainty.
Our economy, sovereignty, and identity in Canada are being challenged. It can be difficult to not feel shocked, scared, saddened, enraged, anxious, or a whole array of mixed emotions.
We as Canadians have a long history of strong ties to our neighbours to the South and in some cases we may be blood relatives, friends, and close allies. Our connections are very close. It may even feel to some of us like relationships are being torn apart. We are so integrated as countries, just like family. The disbelief you may be feeling makes so much sense because what is happening is nonsensical, which is what it feels like to be in a narcissistic abusive relationship, chaotic, confusing, and exhausting.
I have felt the disbelief and fear like most of us about the uncertainty of our economy due to the threat of tariffs and how this is being used to threaten our sovereignty as a nation. As the days have unfolded in the last few weeks there have been nights where my mind spins with worrisome thoughts such as “what will happen tomorrow”, “ how can one person destroy such a close relationship”, “ how can all the lies and gaslighting be believed” and I lay there immobilized between, disbelief, exhaustion, fear, and anger.
Then I take a moment to acknowledge the thoughts, the tension in my chest, how I’m holding my breath, my fear, and anger. I think what do I need right now…..
I pray, I meditate focusing on my breath (repeat, repeat…), and finally I slip into a deep restful slumber.
The next day it is cold but sunny out and I think to myself “what could be helpful to my mental and physical wellbeing in this moment?”
Nature…connecting to my 5 senses…it’s like I’m craving it deep within me.
I take some time to go and sit by the ocean on a log and listen to the ocean lap against the shore.
I ground myself in this moment of connection to the beauty I am surrounded by here in Canada no matter where you live in this country. As I connect to this beauty I am reminded of the beauty each province and territory I have had the honour of experiencing in this beautiful land that is my (our) home, Canada.
I think of how proud I am of my fellow Canadians as I see the strength and resilience we all possess, as living in Canada you are innately tough.
As I walk along the ocean, and as I pass by strangers, but also fellow Canadians we smile at one another and say hello. In this brief moment I am reminded and recognize that this eye connection, smile, and the way we as Canadians openly greet one another with kindness is a part of our identity as Canadians, we are open and kind. This united Canadian trait makes us stronger as it bonds us together as a nation.
I feel fear and anxiety too just like anyone else, but I don’t want my days and nights to be taken over by anxiety and fear of a possible economic downturn, sovereignty of Canada being attacked, environmental disasters, or any future pandemics.
I want to stay present in today and enjoy the moments I have and at the same time do what I am able to do, to be with others and help where I can. Each of our own personal life experiences may trigger us differently at a time like this.
Sometimes we can all get pulled into thoughts that spiral into catastrophizing. When those thoughts arise remind yourself to take a moment to ask yourself:
Is this something I have control over?
What do I need in this moment?
Is there anything I can do to help that is doable for me right now?
What am I grateful for in this moment?
Remember that you are not alone as feeling anxious is a part of being human. Here are some suggestions to help manage your anxiety:
Verbalize and externalize your worries by talking to others and/or journalling.
Practice giving yourself compassion through kind words and actions to yourself (as we all have a pretty critical internal dialogue we would never say to other people we care about). In other words turn that Canadian kindness that you give to others inward…towards yourself.
Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel without any judgement.
Reduce your exposure to news and social media (instead of looking at your news and social feed whenever something pops up think of having intentional times of day that you read the news or social media).
Keep your daily routines.
Move, take walks, stretch, dance, whatever movement you enjoy.
Take time to focus on breathing, think of it as nourishment for your body and soul.
Feel gratitude for this present moment.
Meditate and/or pray/ or do whatever practice that is connecting for you spiritually.
Spend time in nature and fully engage your 5 senses as you immerse yourself in the world around you.
Connect with what makes you feel Canadian.
Read/listen to books and/or podcasts that inform and inspire you.
Take action if it aligns to your values and beliefs…listen to yourself.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”
