Choosing Calm in the Chaos
Good morning Reader,
Anyone else notice how chaotic the world feels lately?
Not just the big, headline-level chaos we see on the news, but the smaller kind too. The tension in usually friendly conversations. The sharpness in online posts and comments. The fallout between friends and family over political differences. I'm sure you know what I am talking about if you spend even an iota of time on social media these days.
I myself have recently experienced this chaos with a family member. Although I tried to be polite, respectful and offer an olive branch, he continues to "argue" with me on social media, even after severing ties and blocking him on all social accounts.
So trust me when I say, I know how hard it can be to bow out of the argument or to choose to scroll past the rage-inducing post. It has taken ALL of my yoga tools in my tool belt to prevent myself from responding with the same hatred that is being thrown my way.
While yoga won't necessarily solve our disagreement, or any disagreement in the world, it does make it easier to handle the disagreements, arguments and outrage. Yoga helps me keep my side of the street clean and calm. It helps me sleep at night. It helps me choose softness and compassion when the world continually demands that I be outraged.
I wrote a longer piece about this experience and where I choose to stand in a world obsessed with outrage on Substack. If you would like to read it you can check it out here.​
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Nervous System Regulation
As I continue to observe the chaos in the world, there is one thing I keep noticing and coming back to. No matter where you stand, your nervous system is absolutely being affected by the chaos.
We have constant access to the entire world’s thoughts, opinions, outrage, and fear....all piped straight in front of our eyes. Our nervous systems were never designed for this level of stimulation that we are experiencing as a collective. No wonder so many of us feel edgy, reactive, fatigued and numb.
So here’s the reminder I want to offer you today:
Choosing calm doesn’t mean disengaging from the world and it doesn't mean you don't care. It means nervous system regulation. It means the ultimate form of self-care.
It means being able to respond with clarity instead of reacting from overwhelm.
The easiest and quickest way to find your calm in the chaos? Focus on the breath.
One of my go-to tools is a deep and slow belly breath to signal to the nervous system: I am safe. You can try a few rounds by inhaling through the nose, filling your belly and chest with breath, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth until you are empty of air. Repeat as needed, which in this world might be a lot. Heck, it might be all day. 😂
My Practice Recommendations for the Week:
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Bliss Break for Overthinking
A guided breath-work, mudra and affirmation practice to bring you back to a state of calm.
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Yoga Nidra for Collective Calm
A brand new practice to help you release mental and emotional overwhelm and come back to a sense of steadiness.
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Before I close, I want to share something with you.
I’ve paused The Soft Reset for now as I sit with the feedback and responses I’ve received. I’m feeling called to shift it into something community centered with live components versus a completely pre-recorded experience.
This container would be hosted on a quieter, dedicated platform where we can practice, reflect and connect together, without the noise of traditional social media!
Before I move forward, I’d really love your input.
If you’re open to it, I would love for you to answer these three questions. You can answer them right here in the email and know that your responses genuinely help shape what comes next.
| How would you prefer to practice with me? |
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| What kind of support are you wanting most right now? |
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| Would you be interested in an ongoing online Yoga + Nidra membership? |
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Thank you for your feedback and thank you for being here. I hope you are staying warm and cozy today!
Until next week,
Misty
Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel to practice with me every week!
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