November 22, 2024
Somah
It’s been a while since my last message, and if you read my previous blog/newsletter you’ll know I’ve been all over the map! Right now, I’m in Bali, on a day off from co-leading a Nervous System Rewire, Restorative, and Yoga Nidra training with my dear friend Tina Nance. It’s been a joy reconnecting with old friends and teaching alongside exceptional people and wonderful receptive students.
During this time on the road, I’ve been struck by the nature and quality of community—whether through building professional yet deeply personal connections or through visiting family and close friends. I feel fortunate to have a range of communities worldwide (throughout my overall life’s journey), from students to colleagues to loved ones, which offers me a wealth of insight across nations, cultures, languages, and ways of moving through life. Even though I’m something of a loner and introvert by nature, I recognize how crucial community can be.
As I travel and encounter people from diverse backgrounds, from conversations with NYC taxi drivers to yoga students from around the globe, I’m reminded again and again of our shared hopes, desires, and needs. Contrary to what media and politics might tell us, there is so much more that connects us than divides us. It’s painful to witness the divisions and long-term effects of political decisions shaping our societies and future generations. Now more than ever, we need to remember our commonalities and ground ourselves in a greater sense of belonging beyond our human domains which crucially includes the more-than-human world as well
In our increasingly globalized yet fragmented world, connecting beyond our immediate circles is essential. By staying open to diverse experiences, we bridge divides and avoid reinforcing the ‘us vs. them’ mindset—one that often leads to isolation, fuels conflicts, and intensifies the troubling political trends we’re witnessing today.
A settled, grounded nervous system allows us to form genuine human connections, which powerfully help us recognize our shared humanity, build resilience, and a capacity to process the unfolding world with a sense of purpose beyond ourselves. When we feel overwhelmed or disheartened, tending to ourselves with care and compassion and reaching out to community reminds us that we’re not alone—that beauty and hope still exist.
During these challenging times, this sense of connection can provide such comfort and resilience, grounding us in the web of relationships that support and uplift us. When life feels heavy, reach out for support—whether to family, friends, or trusted networks. I’m also here having accumulated a big tool bag of helpful practices that I’m more than happy to share because I know they work!
Simple practices, that land us back in our bodies with gentle conscious movement, attuning to our inner felt-sense, our breath and giving space for our emotions to be experienced helps to reconnect us to ourselves and to face life with more clarity and calm. Then when we feel ready, connecting with those around us strengthens us even further, helping us to live with more openness, compassion, and awareness.
May we remember our common ground, as well as our own ground of BEing, and embrace our shared humanity, for it’s through this connection that we will find our way through this mess.
I hope these reflections and practices serve you as we navigate these turbulent times.
Some Practical Tools:
With so much happening globally, it’s easy to feel disheartened, numb, or even powerless. Yet, small, intentional steps can help bring us back to a place of calm and connection. Here are a few grounding practices to support you in moments of overwhelm.
Practical Nervous System Regulation Practices:
1 Grounding Breath: Begin with a few deep belly breaths. Inhale slowly for four counts, pause briefly, and then exhale for six counts. This simple breath pattern helps reset the nervous system, slowing the heart rate and inviting a state of calm.
2 Orienting Exercise: Take a few moments to observe your surroundings. Notice the colors, shapes, and textures around you. This practice of orienting can bring you into the present moment and offer your nervous system a sense of safety.
3 Gentle Movement: Try simple stretches or gentle shaking to release tension and reconnect with your body, especially after stress or a long day. A few neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, or light bouncing can help shift stagnant energy and release tension.
4 Yoga Nidra: Tune into my free online sessions via Insight Timer.
As you practice, gently tune in to your body and notice the impact of offering yourself compassion and presence. These small acts of care can help create a profound shift in your day-to-day experience, nurturing resilience and a sense of steadiness.
If you’d like to explore these practices further or need support, please feel free to reach out. I’m here to help guide you through, and I’d love to support you on this journey toward more peace and presence.
