Uncertainty - Written by Tania Scavone

We live in uncertainty every day of our lives. Why is now any different? Why is humanity in survival mode? Maybe we all have differing opinions on this but the one thing we can be certain of, is that most are leading with fear. We have the option to lead with love or fear everyday so why is this situation any different – a question I pose to my readers, loved ones, clients and students. We wake up each morning uncertain of what will unfold but continue on with our days. These days, we continue to wake up with this same uncertainty but we are living our days in a state of stress, anxiety and panic. When you wake up, you have somewhat of an idea or plan, if you will, of what will unfold throughout your day. You have meetings, daycare drop offs, school, lunch dates etc…but in an instant this can all change. Despite this you continue living your lives or for those with existing anxiety, you try your best.
 This virus pandemic, according to Deepak Chopra is creating a fear pandemic for all and especially for those with existing anxiety.
 
As many of you know, I don’t watch the news on a regular basis. I watch when I really feel the need to be informed but then off it goes or I turn to a more reputable factual source online. Remember, the media is there to share a “story” and always has a way of making things appear worse than they are. This can have a direct effect on your mood. It’s happened to me; I’ve felt this closing of my chest, a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and utter misery as I am sure many of you have felt as well. I now know when to turn away and go inward to find that love, hope and faith.
 
When we lead with fear we are slowly shutting our immune system down and moving into that stressed ‘sympathetic’ nervous state which prepares the body for ‘Fight or Flight’ – which we have been seeing with the hoarding of toilet paper, canned goods and other items. There is no need to Fight or Flight because there are preventative measures being taken that I truly believe will help. If we are faced with a very hungry tiger, then you will have no choice but to respond with ‘Fight or Flight’ (good luck with the fighting part though). We are not at that stage! We can protect ourselves with physical distancing, good hygiene (which I hope is something we all HAVE been doing even prior to this outbreak), supporting our immune systems (probiotics, bone broth, nutrient dense food, medicinal mushrooms etc…) and keeping calm!!
 
Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Pause. Take an inhale, exhale relax your shoulders.  Repeat after me, “ From now on, I choose love over fear”.
 
Below are some ways you can begin to ease any worries, or anxieties and slowly move away from the fear and into the love, hope and faith
 

• Meditate/Pray – Guided
• Breath work – Alternate Nostril Breathing is my favourite
• Limiting screen time (social media/news) – Especially before bed
• Doing more of what makes you happy J  - Cooking, chatting with friends, reading, giving yourself a mani or going for one
• Yoga – Restorative or Hatha
• Movement – Any form of movement really
• Walking  - Get outside in Nature and soak up some Vitamin D from the sun
• Lavender essential oil + candles –
• A warm cup of Chamomile tea (cooled in the summer is nice too)
• Pet Cuddles

 
** Written by Tania Christina Scavone B.Ed; CNP; 200YTT