When the world is falling apart
It is hard not to be affected by the state of the world, the political turmoil, ongoing wars, the economy, the increasing cost of living, and the state of the environment. I will admit to often waking up with general sense of foreboding and unease. The inclination may be to turn to one’s choice of media for the latest scoop of what is happening and this, in itself, can add to our feeling of unease. Perhaps that is not a great idea. Remember, that those who write for print or digital media, blogs, podcasts, radio or television, are usually in pursuit of increased numbers of loyal followers. Therefore their content may be focused on overdramatised versions of the truth or, at least, a political slant. So, take every bit of gleaned information with a non-sodium pinch of salt.
On a personal level, how should one deal with a world in disarray and bound for what may seem to be a mode of self-destruct? I came to an answer that has given me some solace. If I could not on my own personally influence a move towards world peace and a liveable environment, then perhaps I could contribute on a micro level to something over which I could feel some modicum of control.
In August I donated a week of my time as a massage therapist to the 200 cyclists for a Toronto to Montreal charitable fundraising bike rally
I could involve myself in a cause or charity that was meaningful to me to which I could contribute my time and energy. I could also plan something nice for a close relative or friend. That could be as simple as inviting them for a home cooked meal, a trip to a museum, a movie or concert - something that binds us closer together through common interest. To help others in return brings its own rewards. However, we also need to have something in our lives that is self nurturing.
Now that we are in to the Fall, perhaps there is a new hobby that can appeal to ones sense of creativity. Beneath my desk at home, I have a ukulele that I bought through a silent auction many years ago. Rather than keep it, unwrapped in its present location, I could actually learn to play it. What a novel idea! As many of you know, I spend several months each year in Mexico. Rather than stumble through a conversation with locals, perhaps I should spend some time improving my Spanish. Probably a legacy from my many years managing luxury hotels and restaurants, I regard myself as a bit of a foodie so maybe I should try a new recipe.
The first step of a new hobby
What do all of the above activities have in common? They take us to a place of creativity. It is about something that feeds our soul. I ask myself is that being selfish? No, I don’t think so and I rather like the analogy of an airplane cabin crew giving instructions to passengers before departure: “In the unlikely event that there is a change in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will descend. Passengers are advised to put on their own masks before helping small children.” The rationale is that if you are no longer conscious, you are in no position to help anyone else.
The last important, but essential, self indulgence is to keep our bodies and minds in as pristine condition as possible. We need movement through exercise to keep all the working parts (bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments) moving like the well-oiled parts of a machine. Pay attention to the food or ‘fuel’ we put into our bodies ensuring that it is high octane or nutritious for maximum mileage. For the mind, I recommend meditation to help achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
A Mediterranean salad that I created of cucumber, tomatoes and olives - simple to make and nutritious
Part of your program of self-nurturing can include going for regular massage or shiatsu therapy treatments, This is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing. It can assist with pain relief, stress reduction, and improving your circulation. It will help release muscle tension, increase your flexibility, and aid in injury recovery. Mentally, it can calm the nervous system, lower stress hormones, and improve sleep quality.
All this is an investment in your self, a way to deal with the weight of the world. It is planting an idea that with nurturing care will produce a seed, germinate, sprout and flower.
