How to Give Yourself Grace
Photo: Courtney Lindberg
It's Saturday here in Los Angeles. We have family visiting which feels extra sacred knowing how many people aren't able to be with their loved ones right now.
If you are with a dear one today too, be present and tell them how much you appreciate them.
For the last week as more information has been revealed about the war in Israel, the treatment of the civilians in The Gaza Strip, and the response from governments and everyone online I've been thinking a lot about how we meet intense moments.
How do we face the violent aspect of our humanity?
How do we stay hopeful and not harden our hearts?
A part of me wants to wall up and avoid taking in the pain. It feels too big…as if I'll be swallowed up in it and lost forever.
But the truth is, that's a lie.
The depth of my pain reflects the depth of my loving. If I want to experience my full compassion, open heart, and tenderness, then I must meet my pain.
That doesn't mean diving headfirst into the murky water.
That means giving yourself grace.
That might look like:
crying your tears
planting your feet and primal screaming at the heavens
lowering your expectations of yourself and others
doing less
doing more
scrolling social media
taking a break from social media
asking for a hug
calling a friend
eating an extra slice of pie
going for a walk
listening to a soothing song
taking a nap
putting down your inner work and just letting yourself be
and so much more.
There is no right way to give yourself grace. There is only your way.
Ask yourself: What would giving myself grace today look like?
Then do that.
There is no way your system isn't being impacted by current events. Your own self-care is a step toward healing and your healing contributes to our collective healing.
I don't know what the solution is to create peace in the Middle East or in Ukraine/Russia…or even in my own country.
I do know that returning to our wholeness is part of the solution.
I'm sending you so much grace as you navigate these intense times.
May your heart stay open,
Amber
PS: I'm very aware of the privilege of my vantage point. Looking from the outside in is very different from looking from the inside out. My heart, thoughts, and prayers continue to go out to all directly and indirectly impacted by the wars.
If you're a praying person, I highly recommend sending your loving to all beings on the planet at this time. Turns out there's evidence to highlight the benefit of this practice.
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