QUARANTINED-DAY 13: 03/26/20

Isolation: A Journey Within

In a world where connection is vital, isolation often feels like a perilous state. Scholars suggest that being alone poses significant health risks because humans thrive on touch and connection. But what if this period of isolation is not just a necessity, but an opportunity? What if the true battle we face is against overwhelm, and the path to healing requires solitude? Imagine this time as a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with our bodies and minds.

In our hyper-connected world, chronic stress is a constant companion, leading to anxiety that traps us in a cycle of fear and distraction. This is an endurance test—a moment to confront the aspects of ourselves we often avoid. It’s a time to create mental, emotional, and energetic space within the comfort of our homes. With the right wellness essentials, we can reset and emerge transformed, ready to face the world anew.

Overwhelm: A Catalyst for Consciousness

Currently, the threat of overwhelm is embodied by a virus, yet the world has long been in turmoil. We are overwhelmed by environmental, economic, and societal challenges. This energy demands a response, doesn’t it? Even before COVID-19, mental health was a looming public health crisis. The pandemic has only amplified our stress and fatigue.

In times of challenge, it’s crucial to approach with ease and calm. The media often fuels our fears, tapping into our instinct to protect ourselves and our communities. We’ve been conditioned to react negatively to threats, a phenomenon known as “negativity bias,” which can profoundly influence our behavior. Yet, by embracing this period of isolation, we can transform overwhelm into a powerful force for increasing our consciousness and resilience.

A Shift in Perspective: Finding Clarity in Crisis

In my journey through crisis, I discovered that by stepping back and becoming an observer rather than a participant in the chaos, the world around me grew still and clear. I’ve learned that prioritizing our health and well-being during challenges is not just important—it’s essential. Cultivating inner exuberance and stability allows us to elevate our vitality, resonating at a higher level of consciousness that uplifts those around us. When I chose to slow down, healing began; strength and power returned to both my mind and body, enabling me to make rational decisions and uncover what truly matters to me. This transformation was only possible through retreat—embracing stillness, doing less, and placing my health at the forefront. I’ve come to believe that not all storms are meant to disrupt; some arrive to clear a path. What if this virus is an opportunity for us to RESET? Consider this a profound invitation to turn inward, reconnect with your essence, and recommit to self-care and inner balance. This moment is the ultimate test of your mental fortitude and faith.

“Gratitude is the Ultimate Intelligence”

How to Stay Calm in Chaos

First, take a moment to pause and take a few deep breaths. Allow light and love to flow into you. All you have to do is remember that your breath is your lifeline and your connection to the DIVINE. It’s always there for you. NOW focus on one thing at a time.

• LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

  You are a whole being. This means everything is connected. No system works alone and though anxiety may start in your mind, it can trigger very real physical symptoms like headaches, chest pain, an increased heart rate, dizziness, etc. The effect of worry is more lethal than the worry itself. It’s a silent killer and often these physical symptoms can heighten your anxiety. Be still. Find a quiet space and focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply, pause, then exhale. If you are finding it hard you can use a daily CBD oil OR aromatherapy to encourage your receptors to start modulating the body to calm down. One of the best books I’ve ever read is“The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. (Author) and so many other wonderful healing self-help books I recommend here in my Amazon storefront.

• MOVEMENT

  Get a physical activity. This allows us to utilize stress hormones more positively and productively. Moving triggers the release of endorphins that help us to feel good and boost our sense of accomplishment. Even when we can’t solve the problem, taking some sort of personal action like a short burst of exercise or just taking a walk in the park, reconnecting with nature can tame the mind, reduce stress, and help us think more clearly. Explore the right movement for your body and personality. I love walking, hiking, climbing, yoga, and weightlifting HIIT-type workouts and dancing!

• MEDITATION

  Stop trying to meditate like a monk. This is about slowing down and “interrupting” habitual patterns that are detrimental to our state of well-being. Through greater awareness in developing a regular practice, you begin to notice moments when you’re out of breath, when your mind is racing, and when experiencing certain feelings and sensations repeatedly; which is often the sign of a harmful thought pattern. I encourage getting centered and focusing on your breath. Holding a crystal, mala beads, or “worry” stone as pictured in this post will give your mind something to attach to while calming the breath. Buy yourself a new crystal for the home. Diffuse essential oils that calm the environment and or a plant to help calm your mind. I love these in my Holistic Lifestyle edition on my Amazon store.

• LIFESTYLE

  It’s a good time to take inventory of how healthy your lifestyle is. How healthy are you? Do you maintain a healthy diet? How much caffeine or alcohol do you consume? How much sugar do you have? Are you a smoker? Do you set aside time regularly to exercise or give yourself mental breaks? Are you sleeping well? Do you take supplements? Do you have genuine relationships? How often do you connect to the outdoors? Neglecting to keep a healthy balance in all these areas can be more harmful than we realize. Start slowly taking baby steps adding in better choices and crowding out what’s not helping you feel vibrant. Health coaching and staying connected virtually are available to help you navigate through any confusion. No need to tackle it alone!

• MUSIC

  It just has a positive physical effect on any language and culture. It can produce direct biological changes— reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. When we vibrate sound we are tuning into specific frequencies of consciousness with specific waves. This is why the age-old mantra chanting- known as “kirtan” is a powerful valuable tool on the spiritual path. Sound current is valuable. Sing, chant, dance, and listen to music to your heart’s content!!

• FIND MEANING

  Another important way you can create to help you find your purpose would be helping others. It’s not just a cliché or a dream that will never be fulfilled. It’s a tool for a better, happier, healthier life that too few people attempt to use. For me when I was feeling defeated and in the throws of crisis being of service always helped me find deeper meaning in my life. Move the focus away from you and focus on listening and seeing where you can uplift and help someone else.

• ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

  Try and find gratitude in the challenges because within them there is always a lesson and blessing. Fill your heart with appreciation and gratitude for all you have in this life. Every experience has a gift and blessing attached. It’s just a choice and willingness to allow your body to receive this feeling and ultimately receive more peace, comfort, and joy. We want safety in trying to understand the answers to things that just don’t make sense. Our humanness wants to control outcomes. When we release the need to control we can enter into a greater service of love. We can surrender and be connected deeper with our faith and feel more protected by spirit. I guarantee you’ll feel more optimistic.

 

With Care, Love & Light,

xo

CLAUDIA