- Try Softer, not Harder.
What we all need right now is kindness. Kindness for ourselves and for others. I don’t know of one person alive right now who isn’t struggling with something: chronic pain, fatigue, depression, ongoing family issues, illness. This is the short list of what has become the norm for most of us. It’s not easy to put in the effort to move forward with living life fully, but long term, it’s much easier than giving up. So, stop “shoulding” on yourself, encourage yourself and others for the baby steps you are choosing to take.
- Find Community
The other day, I spied a group of elders in the parking lot on my way into Wellspring for a day of massage. They were energized, laughing, connecting like a group of bubbly teenagers. They had just finished their yoga session at the Yoga Tree in Hotchkiss, giving themselves a dose of the best medicine there is: movement in community. Just like the women at the North Fork Rec pool- their water aerobics class is legendary. Or, the Delta Youth Foundation’s boxing classes. Or, art classes at any of the community art centers. Or, just a walk with a friend or your dog. These are acts of revolution in times that feel oppressive to the human spirit.
- Prune & Graft and Find Good Soil
There is a new non-profit organization in Delta and Montrose County that is doing all the legwork to create a healing retreat for veterans who will be able to find holistic healing options for PTSD and moral injury. Offerings will include yoga, breathwork, art therapy, equestrian therapies, rock climbing, and so much more. But they will be moving together. And, that is what makes the difference. The name of the non-profit is Sovereign Roots and their healing philosophy leans heavily into the metaphor of a tree. Trees, like all plants, need good soil conditions. The human spirit needs accountability. This is a community that cares.
Also, like the tree, there are branches that don’t bear fruit, things that need to go. These are the time-suckers, the negative thoughts, the toxic relationships. We often need help gaining wisdom to understand how to lay these aside. We graft in new branches by starting new practices that nurture our soul.
- Trauma-Healing Tip
Let’s just agree that we have been going through collective trauma. One of the first skills that trauma takes away from a person is the ability to give themselves self-care. This is a vital step to becoming whole again. Don’t just show acts of care to others, but schedule time to give yourself the care that you need. A few ideas: Forest bathing- string up a hammock in the woods and nap, breathe deep, read a book. Ten minutes of Qi Gong. Breathwork. Make yourself a mango lassi. Get a massage. Exfoliate. Schedule time to make some art. Phone a friend. Dance.
- Babystep that Butt
Identify your biggest BUT. Now, find a baby step that gives you goodness back in your life. Commit to it. Come back to life. It will open up new inspiration and new motivation. I promise.
I’d like to share this poem by an unknown author to further elucidate the matter:
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore,
But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, “What have we here?”
Those prints are large and round and neat,
“But Lord, they are too big for feet.”
“My child,” He said in somber tones,
“For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.”
“You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up.
And there I dropped you on your butt.”
“Because in life there comes a time
When one must fight and one must climb
When one must rise and take a stand
Or leave their buttprints in the sand.”
