I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS

I am at a loss for words. I have considered what I can write to encourage and support people during these bewildering moments in history. In the last two days, I have started emails and social posts only to stop and reverse-tap the cursor to the tune of my own ineffectiveness. I figuratively keep patting my pockets, hoping the perfect sentences will fall out like lint, loose change, or a missing tenner. NOPE. What I CAN write is that I am grievously ill-equipped to confidently provide context, perspective, or advice regarding any of the events from this week. But I do know a couple of things about some other stuff. The body bears the burden of all our stress and sadness. Like a shield taking hits for a soldier, our body protects willingly and by design. But, also by design, it must be moved and exercised to ring out the excess emotions absorbed during combat. I know we must move. The brain intimately communicates with every cell. When your brain is troubling through unbelievable situations, every cell is working to help you navigate. I know we must honor the infinite wisdom of the body. When we take a moment to breathe, the lungs respond to new oxygen like cracked, dry dirt receiving fresh rain. I know we must breathe. If we can’t find the words to speak – dancing, drawing, singing, or screaming allows the body permission to express what the mind simply can’t. I know we must express creatively. When we take in healthy food, it is not just for energy and fuel. I know respectfully feeding ourselves is an intimate act of self-compassion. Sleep allows the brain and body to sit uninterrupted like two old estranged friends sorting and discussing so healing can take root. I know sleep is the ultimate healer. Acts of mindfulness garner perspective, and relativity. I know mindful moments harvest secret reserves of strength and energy. My encouragement to you this week is to ENGAGE FULLY Move willingly Breathe deeply Express creatively Eat compassionately Sleep restoratively Step mindfully When we are not optimized, we are not our most effective and influential self. And if we are not tending to these beautiful facets of our being, we cannot carry-on to create the change we see the world so needs from us. In health, growth, and, potential. xoxo Dr. Heather