Hello world!

It has been a minute!

I will keep this relatively short- for those who are new to my site and blog, there’s plenty to read already available until I feel truly INSPIRED to write something substantive. If there is one thing I want to address right now- it’s stress…

The world feels almost upside down right now. Regardless your position on the political spectrum, it is pretty clear that a change is underway. While I believe that change is a necessary part of growth, it can also be wildly uncomfortable and sometimes even scary. It’s one thing when change comes of your own accord- and quite another when it simply lands on you like that random plop of bird crap while enjoying a beautiful spring day. And I’m not sure about you, but…

…sticking with this metaphor, it seems more like elephants have taken flight these days.

Given that my intention is to talk about alleviating stress, I won’t take the time to list all the things that seem to bring it to my doorstep daily (which may be only a fraction of your list). Add in the vital need for physical distancing as this pandemic (the newest entry on the list) runs its course, and we’ve got quite the recipe for STRESS. Where we used to be able to somewhat compartmentalize things by change of location (leave work at the office, in the practice room or studio, etc), we suddenly have to fully entertain all of it in our homes. So many friends have been commenting (via old-fashioned phone calls) that they feel far more reactive to things. I must admit my own struggles with this…

So- think about it. How are you managing these days? How will you manage the days ahead? Do you have a way to explore and process your experiences such that they (and you) can move on- or do you stuff them down, turn off the video and audio feeds on your 150th Skype/ZOOM call for the day, bite your tongue and power through?

Here’s a couple I’ve found helpful, if not basic… and in the spirit of us moving through this time together… I’d love to hear what works for you!

First- let yourself feel what you’re feeling. If it’s appropriate, find a way to clearly and without blame share it. If it isn’t- for the love of all that’s Holy (and, in my opinion, we all are holy) WRITE IT DOWN. Keep a little notepad on hand, jot it down, and then… Second- Get up. Walk around your house. Pet your cat or dog. Hug your spouse. Do some pushups, squats, lunges, or planks. Grab some water. Just stare out the window for a minute or two. Make some choice that reminds you that you are in your own space and you are safe. Third- and I apologize to those that saw this one coming- Connect. I’ve had more fun conversations on the phone since all this began than I can count! I’ve found it so much easier to communicate when I don’t have to worry about auto-correct saying something I totally didn’t intend. More importantly, hearing someone else’s voice just reminds me that I am not alone in all this seeming crazy.

Like I mentioned earlier- there is change underway. Call me naive- but I do all I can to keep my attention on the good that is showing up all over the world. Yes- there are challenging times ahead. Yes- there is a lot of which we need to remain aware, all the way down to how far away that dude on his cellphone is rolling up behind me in line at the store. Yes- there is fear, panic, grief, and death. Things can at times seem pretty rough…

But many communities and individuals are stepping up. Churches worldwide are reaching out in more exciting ways every day- worship services, prayer lines, virtual meditation rooms, special services like weddings and memorials, and support groups of all types are practically at your fingertips. Community centers whose physical doors are shuttered continue to partner and find ways to give aid. The next time you go to the store for much needed supplies, notice how many people make eye contact, smile, make idle chitchat in line or by the freezer case (where I hang out in search of the latest Blue Bell ice cream flavor).

In short: We are hard-wired for healthy social connection. Ignore or overload those connections and you invite stress. Just for today, consider one thing you can do that reminds of the powerful role you play as arbiter of your personal well-being. We may have a long road ahead, but we can choose to walk it together (at a safe distance, of course).

#inthistogether #alonetogether