In many ways, the last two years has been such a departure from what feels normal for us. And just when we think we are getting to the tail end of one difficult circumstance, it seems there is one more layer on top of it all. So can you care about current events while staying rooted and at your best? Here are some suggestions for striking that balance.

When you have extraordinary coping skills, it might look like you are unfettered by life’s ups and downs. And while this is a good thing to get you through in a pinch, let’s explore what it would look like to slow down and FEEL the emotions, so that you move them out of your body. Boost your mindfulness by opening your heart to feel the moment, allowing your body to release and let go of stuck energy, negative patterns, and crusty old stories. Imagine what this world would look like if we raised our children to do the same!

It’s your work to feel and align with joy. So when you are working for many moons to open your heart with joy, sometimes it can take you by surprise when the joy waves finally hit you. And then it can feel like too much! Has this ever happened to you?

Feeling joyful really loses its deeper meaning when it’s just covering up how you REALLY feel. It’s like a lick of paint on a rusty surface – it will only last so long, and it’s actually making a bigger mess. Real joy can only come from an open heart, which (sorry to remind you) is also where real pain can come from.

My friend, there is no substitute for happiness, but we can take a shortcut. It involves taking down the walls and inviting potential for both joy and pain. It involves really FEELING your feelings, not stuffing them down, or pretending they don’t exist.

Some suggestions to releasing your pain and shifting your energy in a pinch:

• Go for a walk outside while listening to The Office Ladies podcast
• Have a good cry while watching Downton Abbey the Christmas episode for the 15th time
• Writing a list of appreciations about yourself, including your incredible cooking skills or your ability to find amazing parking spots
• Dancing by yourself in the dark to Prince and The Revolution

Stress might make you want to close your heart, build a wall, and shut out the world. When you make the decision to be vulnerable in times of stress, you are being courageous, radical, and kind of a baddie. So embrace the spectrum of emotion, shake off the cobwebs, open your heart, and seize the day!

Today’s Joyful Being circle reflected back to me a subtle way my mind has been keeping me from action.

When is the last time you cried? It might surprise you that it’s wonderful for your wellness.

Prayers for those who are dealing with a traumatic experience, with hope that peace and relief will find you.

This morning I woke up with some anxiety, so I’ll share one of my methods that helps to move it out.