Protect Your Sense Of Self In Trying Times
Self-awareness and inner strength are your most valuable assets. Holistic Church provides tips for nurture of the self in trying times.
During this unprecedented time, many of us feel poorly about ourselves. Social isolation, financial pressure, civil unrests, confusing politics, justified – and anticipated – fears, all conspire to undermine our self-image.
Regardless of the struggles you might be facing: it’s not you! You didn’t fail. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t become less than you’ve been before. You were not abandoned. You are not alone. You are not hopeless. You are not helpless. Our current – and admittedly, peculiar – situation is playing tricks on us. It’s demoralizing!
Until the world returns to normal, we could benefit from some tips that would remind us who we are under NORMAL circumstances.
Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.” Katherine Dunham
Holistic Religion has it that the individual Is the center of everything. That’s true. More than that, the individual is the center of his or her life regardless of what’s going on in the world.
I often recommend meditation because in a world filled with change and challenge, we need to be reminded that everything starts with us. Meditation is about breath and focus. Breath is a proof of life. Meditation helps us calm down and focus. As long as you are breathing and thinking clearly, everything is possible.
Another thing that works is “self-programming”. Affirmations are one way of programming yourself. Affirmations are short sentences, each affirming one of your strength. Repeating them regularly and aloud will keep you focused on everything you CAN do.
Affirmations can be used also for creating an outcome you want. Repeating that you WILL solve a specific problem will help you focus on finding a solution to it.
Don’t worry about everything that COULD go wrong, in advance. I’m speaking from a firsthand experience as an ex-worrier. Worrying about every potential danger takes energy, time and has a negative impact on your health. Most of our fears don’t come to pass. Worrying about ONE problem at a time – or better yetm working on prevention or solution – is much more effective. Every win, every act of overcoming is affirming and empowering. Excessive worrying saps your strength, produces nothing and will leave you exhausted.
If and when you feel particularly vulnerable or needy, give something to – or do something for – a friend or even a stranger in need. The simple act of giving will soothe your own neediness and empower you.
And finally, take a moment and write down your proudest achievements. Read the list. That’s not my list. It’s yours. YOU are the one who was capable of these achievements. You are the same person. You are powerful. You can do the same – or similar – things, again.
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” Buddha
Don’t let the confusion of this time, distort your self-image. You are powerful. You are resilient. You are resourceful. You have the support of your family and / or friends. You are a survivor.
Whether you appreciate the tips above or not, remember: the way you feel about yourself decides the outcome of every challenge, crisis or conflict ahead.
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For as long as you nurture and protect your sense of self: anything is – and will be – survivable and manageable!
