Info Overload in a Pandemic (or Any Other Time)

Full disclosure…this is my first global pandemic. I’m trying to figure everything out, just like you. There’s TONS of information available through various outlets and while that’s amazing, it can also lead to overwhelm. What do you do to stay informed but not stuck in fear?

Today I wanted to share a few quick tips that I hope will help you now, and in the future:

• ·         Seek guidance from appropriate sources: In our panic to get the latest information, we often fall victim to misinformation. Much of it well intended but probably more akin to gossip than fact. If you’re looking for specific health information, for example, consult your most trusted health source and organizations such as your state health department or the Centers for Disease Control. This is not the time to give a lot of attention to what your cousin read on Facebook. Go to the source you already trust.
• ·         Limit the time when you consume news: In my opinion, I feel most confident when I check in both morning and night to get news updates. While our life situations are changing fast, I believe to keep mentally, spiritually and emotionally healthy we need a break from the constant barrage of news. I absolutely want you to be smart, be informed and take action when indicated. Just be mindful of when, and how much, news you choose to absorb each day.
• ·         Take time to just BE: Go outside, if you can do so safely, and sit under a tree, watch the birds and experience nature. While many of us are in a panic, I notice the trees are starting to bloom, the rivers are flowing and I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face. Nature continues and so will we. The world will look vastly different after this pandemic passes, but it will find balance. We have an opportunity to do the same.
• ·         Your true foundation is your spiritual practice: What gets you through this, and any crisis, is your connection to something bigger than yourself. God, Source, Universe…I call it Love. What helps you feel connected to the intelligent, creative, expansive energy that creates galaxies and makes the tides rise and fall? Connect to that. I do it through meditation, prayer, journaling, time in nature. Find what works for you and make this the cornerstone of your day. Every day. Not just in times of stress. Your spiritual practice is what you stand on in challenging times and in joyful ones.

I know the world is a scary place right now. And yet it’s the only home we have. We must find a way to love ourselves and each other through this and commit to become better because of our shared experience.

Here’s one more tip for you. Remember to find joy in each day. It’s a reminder to our human self that our divine self is only a thought away.

How to Stay Present in a Crazy World!

I'm not one to contradict Buddha...but I sometimes struggle with the statement above. Do you?

I've studied ancient spiritual wisdom as well as the teachings of modern mystics and they all mention the value of "being present." I understand the concept. To me, being present is having your full focus, attention, thoughts and feelings on the person or situation right there, in the moment you are experiencing.

Yeah, that's easy enough to do. 

Not. Even. Close.

I mean, come on...do those mystics deal with family issues, car accidents, health scares and financial problems? These are just a few of the real-life events clients talked with me about last week. They’re facing challenges and doing their best to live from their own divine core while they face the uncertainly of life as a human.

That’s exactly what mystics do. They understand our challenge is to be anchored in love while we live our daily lives. Why? The rewards include less stress, more confidence, a feeling of being in flow with life and feeling “on purpose.” Add to that a happier, more joyful life experience, a sense of oneness and desire to be in service all while enjoying a sense of deep peace. And there’s more…people who consistently live in the present moment have described feeling “more freedom.”

I know when I’m focused on the present moment, I’m free of stress created by my relentless rehashing of the past and free from worry about the future. That’s when I’m best able to align with my inner wisdom, and fully receive the guidance that leads me to the life I’m here to live. I’m guided to love, to service and back to the truest part of me.

Is that easy? While I believe it can be, it hasn’t been for me.

I have a long way to go to consistently be present and yet I’m daily reaping the rewards of my efforts. A life dedicated to love is far happier than the one I used to live that seemed to be dedicated to stress, overwhelm and worry. Go figure…

If you want to be more present, here are a few tips to try:

·       Commit to a daily spiritual practice: I recommend starting the day with what I call “the 3 M’s” to incorporate mind, body and spirit. Total time spent is up to you…start with a few minutes on each and work up to a more substantial routine. Yes, you have time for this:

.1.     Meditation:  Even starting with five to ten minutes a day can make a huge difference in your ability to feel calm, happy and more present in your life. If you’re new to meditation, check out free apps like CALM or INSIGHT TIMER.

.2.     Motivate: Turn off the news, put down your phone and read or listen to something that inspires and motivates you. I start the day with the daily lesson from A Course in Miracles plus time reading an inspiring book.

.3.     Move: Stretch, do a few yoga poses, walk or go up and down the stairs to bring awareness to your body first thing in the morning.

·       Ask questions when you feel overwhelmed or stressed in a situation. Questions could include:

.1.     What do I really know to be true, right now, in this moment? Is that really true?

.2.     What’s it like to be me in this situation at this instant? What would it be like to be a happier, more peaceful and trusting version of me right now?

.3.     Where are my feet? (I love this one that I learned from my mentor, Robert Holden. It brings me out of your head and back into my body every time.)

·       Get back to nature: Any time it’s possible, take a mindful walk in nature. Relax. Breathe. If that’s not possible, bring fresh flowers into the house or office, pet your cat or take a break and look at nature photos. All will help shift your brain chemistry and bring you into the present. Whatever you do, be mindful of the activity and give it your full attention and focus.

·       Heart Breath: My number one way to be present is to imagine breathing in and out of my heart space. I teach clients to breathe love in the back of their heart and radiate love out of the front. Start with at least five repetitions.

There are few things in life as sweet as finding your balance, experiencing joy in small moments and feeling at peace about the past and future. Learning to live in the present moment does this and more. Still need a bit of help? Ask Love to guide you.