That would be now.
Regardless of where you stood on Tuesday’s election, it’s been a raw and wild ride. Change is certain. I hear many people say they’re scared. In the days leading up to the election, I was anxious. But now, not so much. By Wednesday I’d whipped right by fear and had gone straight to anger. Anger at those who didn’t vote. Anger that instead of traveling around this wonderful and really hurting country on a leisurely 2-year listening tour, Hilary chose to make tens of millions of dollars giving private speeches after she left the state department. I’m pretty mad. I’m even mad at Trump for the way he chose to run, and really pissed that it worked. I’m disappointed in everyone! Exhale, exhale, exhale. OK.
So now what?
It’s an excellent time to get strong – to get physically stronger. Start slow or not so slow, but if you wish you were in better physical shape, now is a really good time to take a step – look to your community center, or a gym or yoga or pilates studio. I recently joined a twice-weekly ‘get fit’ challenge and it’s impressive in what it’s doing to me, and I doing things and working at an intensity I simply would never ever do on my own. It’s a good thing.
It a wonderful time to get clear on who you are and what you mission in this gorgeous life might be. To that end, you might read my friend, mentor, colleague’s excellent book The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope. He asks some good questions that I hope help you frame out what your dharma might be. You can also work with plants – they’ll give you the score if you ask them.
Plants can offer healing self care. Herbalists would say it’s a wonderful time for nervines – rose, skullcap, tulsi to name just a few – these are plants that sooth and feed the nerves. Abhyanga oil massage is another nerve soother – I’ve been dipping myself in oil daily just because so many people are so upset, and the news is upset, and as I mentioned I’m pretty mad myself.
Something is on the way, I know not what. So, if you are scared and traumatized by Tuesday’s election. Rest, eat and cry. Get a massage or seven. That’s OK. But as soon as you are ready, there’s plenty to do and plenty to be.
No matter who you voted for last week, it’s time to get active, personally, collectively. May all be blessed.
Be well.
If Ever There Were a Time for Self Care
