Life is not easy. It takes resourcefulness, creativity, endurance, tools, and community to survive on this floating rock in space.
Life is full of suffering, while at the same time, full of great awe. I experienced this duality simultaneously during my regular morning walk today. While feeling the weight of personal and global stressors (being triggered by family, feeling waves of hopeless about the state of the planet/humanity), I was also mesmerized by the brilliant beauty in front of me. Along the dirt path, I gazed up and was taken aback by the reds, yellows, oranges of dancing leaves as they fluttered energetically with the wind. I breathed in the sweet and spicy scent of fennel that lined the trail. The cold autumn breeze ignited my senses as I felt alive, awake, and present with the fullness of the human experience: the depth of emotional weight, the uplifting awe of nature.
Being alive means we get to experience a range of emotions, thoughts, sensations. Whether it is stress from post-election, the horror of ongoing genocide and violence, discouragement with the current systems in place that benefit corporations and very privileged groups, anxiety about the planet's dysbiosis, or our personal traumas - to keep your footing on earth takes daily discipline and practice.
I share my approach (which is not mine, but shared/ancient/universal wisdom) to not only stay afloat during divisive, tumultuous, scary times, but to also tap into the awe despite it all. I hope you enjoy the tips and images below.
Get creative - make art! My friend Malaka Gharib shares how creating art and engaging the imagination improve mood and reduces stress in this interview: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/792439555
Leave a comment to share how you stay grounded, inspired, connected, present. What ignites a sense of awe within you? How do you get creative?
Many blessings to you!
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