Finding Light: Simple Practices for Challenging Days

In the past few months, I've heard from many of you about the heaviness of our current national climate. Polarization, uncertainty, and the constant stream of challenging news can leave us feeling anxious, frustrated, or simply exhausted. These are natural responses to difficult circumstances.

Yet even in these challenging times, we can cultivate inner peace and rediscover joy in our daily lives. Through regular practices, I'm able to find inner peace and joy. Today, I'd like to share some thoughts and practical exercises that have helped me and my clients navigate similar feelings.

Acknowledging Where We Are

First, let's recognize that feelings of concern or distress about our collective situation are valid. When we acknowledge our emotions without judgment, we create space for healing to begin. Take a moment now to check in with yourself: What are you carrying today? What emotions are present for you? Simply noticing is the first step toward transformation.

Practices for Finding Peace

Here are three exercises you might try this month:

1. The Morning Sanctuary: Before checking news or social media, spend the first 10 minutes of your day in a personal sanctuary. This might involve meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying your morning coffee while focusing on three things you're grateful for. This practice helps set a positive tone for your day, regardless of external circumstances.

2. Media Boundaries: Consider implementing specific times to check news rather than constant exposure. Perhaps 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening are sufficient to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Notice how your body and mind respond when you create these boundaries.

3. Joy Spotting: Each day, intentionally look for moments of beauty, kindness, or joy around you. Perhaps it's the way light filters through leaves, your favorite tree in bloom (right now, mine is the Tulip Magnolia in bloom), a kind interaction between strangers, or the comfort of a favorite meal. Keep a small notebook to record these moments. Over time, this practice trains our minds to notice goodness even amid challenges.

Connecting with Others

Remember that community is essential during difficult times. Consider reaching out to a friend for a walk or conversation. Sometimes, simply sharing our experiences with someone who listens compassionately can lighten our burdens.

I'd love to hear which practices resonate with you or any other practices you've found helpful. Feel free to let me know your thoughts (karenpriceowen@gmail.com).

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." — Viktor Frankl