The world can feel heavy sometimes. Natural disasters, political unrest, and global conflicts dominate the headlines, leaving us overwhelmed. Recently, the California fires weighed heavily on my heart. An old friend moved into her dream home just days before the fire wiped out her neighborhood, her kids’ school, and their church. I found myself glued to my phone, consumed by the devastation and trying to process it. I took a break from the scrolling and practiced yoga nidra meditation to reconnect with my sense of well-being which helped me feel more centered, and then I got out for a hike and felt gratitude for the beauty I am surrounded by.
A couple days later, I found myself floating in a candlelit warm saltwater pool with members of my choir, playing crystal bowls and singing beautiful prayerful songs. It felt surreal to experience such relaxation, joy and safety while destruction and war unfolded elsewhere in the world simultaneously. I found my thoughts distracting me from the bliss I was experiencing. Thoughts such as, “Is this selfish? Shouldn’t I be doing something for the people suffering right now? I wish my friend could be here instead of me.”
I took some deep breaths of self-compassion, found some floats so I could fully surrender to the support of the water, allowed the tears to flow. And then I gently coached myself and reminded myself, “It’s OK to feel pleasure”, “This is so healing for me,” and “Replenishing my energy inspires me to continue my healing work in the world.” By uplifting our own energy, we nurture ourselves and become better equipped to support those who need us most.
Acknowledging the Pain of the World
The grief and empathy we feel for global events connect us to humanity. And it is important to allow these feelings to take up space as they arrive. These emotions, as Joanna Macy says, are “a measure of your humanity and your evolutionary maturity. As your heart breaks open, there will be room for the world to heal.” It is so important to give your self permission and space to feel how you are feeling because if you try to bypass the feelings, they can get even bigger. But if this heaviness or hopelessness overwhelms us, it can deplete our energy and limit our ability to act positively.
Why We Need Joy and Soul Nourishment
Keeping our spirits up doesn’t mean ignoring suffering; it means maintaining the strength to feel and process grief. When we nourish our body and soul with things that bring us joy, we create a foundation that helps us show up as our most resourced, resilient selves. These moments aren’t trivial; they’re essential because joy and connection replenish us, enabling us to continue being our best selves which ripples out into the world.
Ways to Keep Your Spirits Up
- Mindful Practices: Ground yourself with meditation, breathwork, or a few moments of quiet reflection or journaling. These practices can help you process emotions and find a sense of well-being.
- Exercise and Movement: Engaging in physical activity such as yoga, walking, dancing, or strength training can help release stress and boost endorphins. Movement supports physical health and builds resilience, empowering you to face challenges with greater stability and strength.
- Bodywork: Receiving bodywork, such as massage or craniosacral therapy, can help release tension and restore your body’s natural state of well-being.
- Somatic Coaching: Coaching can provide tools to reconnect with your body’s wisdom, helping you resource yourself emotionally and physically. This work can be profoundly supportive for navigating difficult times.
- Creative Expression: Engage in activities that allow your creativity to flow—whether it’s singing, painting, writing, or dancing. Creativity is a powerful way to process emotions and tap into joy.
- Connection and Community: Spend time with those who uplift you. Share a meal with a friend, call someone far away. Share your struggles and joys in a safe space.
- Acts of Service: Channel your empathy into action. Volunteering, donating, or offering support to those affected by crises can bring a sense of purpose and connection.
Caring for ourselves isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When we stay resourced, we offer our creativity, strength, and compassion to those in need. Balancing giving and receiving helps us find purpose, even in difficult times.
This week, choose one nourishing activity for yourself—a mindful walk, a dance, bodywork, or share a song with someone you love. Your joy matters! By keeping your spirits lifted, you become a beacon of hope and healing for others.
