Calm in Troubling Times

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Renee Nash - CPCC ACC, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

Given the current state of affairs (Corona virus, stock market, travel ban, etc.) we all have good reason to be worried, concerned, anxious, fearful and sometimes unkind. If we had the choice, would we still choose to be worried, concerned, anxious, fearful and sometimes unkind? Or would choose calm and creative with a dose of love and compassion?

So let’s firs address how we are showing up in the world. I was recently heartened when a friend, the wife of a police officer, made a plea for those that are housing large amounts of hand sanitizer to please drop some off at your local law enforcement agencies. Her husband is still showing up for work everyday and not hesitating to help those in need without fear of the virus. However, without proper protection he could bring it home to his loved ones or to another call in responding for help, having sanitizer on the go is vital for him, is it vital for you? This spoke to my heart about how we have to raise up as a community and help those that need help.

Due to an immune disorder I have I cannot attend my church worship or go to my large gym. This morning first thing I got an email from a friend at our church telling me she was thinking about me and missed seeing me. This made me feel like I still belong even though I can’t be there. Isolation can breed all kinds of negative thoughts and worry. Having someone reach out to me kept me from feeling isolated and alone.

Now let’s talk about what creates our current reaction and come up with a plan on what we want for ourselves at this time and how we want to show up in the world.

Fear: this nasty word is real, it drives us to survive and without it we could find ourselves in real danger. But a little fear goes a long way. Dose it with some trust and faith and you can keep control on how much it will take over your decision-making. Fear can be visceral. With a regular practice to combat fear you can find more creative ways to care for yourself and loved ones while still showing concern for your community. When fear raises it’s ugly head and looks at you talk it down with what you believe in to be true. Remember, fear is false evidence appearing real.

Anxiety/worry: we all are subject to this little bugger in varying degrees. When I wake first thing and wonder at the new numbers of the virus or what else is being shut down and how will they pay their bills my anxiety spikes.
My remedy? Prayer, meditation and action.
Pray for those you cannot reach, pray for their peace of mind-for calm-for anti-viral solutions-and more importantly thank God for waking you up. A little gratitude is a wonderful remedy for worry. Worry replaces faith so stop and replace worry with faith.
Meditate for finding clarity and creativity to be a part of the cure and not part of the problem. Bring on a sense of calm for yourself that you can send out into the world even if it is only through your mind’s eye, know that your have enough love in your heart to comfort all.
Action! If you are not high risk what can you do in your community, your neighborhood to ease the burden on those who are high risk? Can you go grocery shopping or pick up medications for an elderly person in your neighborhood? Can you babysit for someone who is a medical worker but whose children are home from school? If you are high risk and must stay at home can you call a senior center and talk on the phone with someone who is lonely? And more importantly can you look in your pantry, in your closets, under the bed and find supplies that you can bring to those that need them?

My action plan idea for you all is to create a daily schedule that includes prayer, meditation and action. Write out so many minutes to pray with a list of whom you want to pray for. Then work in more time for meditation, encourage others to meditate with you and each of you guide each other through sending love into the world with your wonderfully creative hearts. Then make sure you can take an action each day with a phone call or anything that will bring relief to others. With this action plan your anxiety will be replaced with a sense of calm that you are part of the cure.

If you find you need help with creating your action plan reach out to me. We can work together to get you through this difficult time. Let’s be our best selves!