Balancing Balance
Spring Sights and Sounds
In Maine, school vacation week has come to an end; this week is also commonly referred to as “spring break.” I believe Maine holds the final week of all “spring breaks” in New England. Many begin as early as the first week in March each year. Spring is my favorite time of year because it has always been that time of year when anything seems possible.
As the weather begins to warm up, our world begins to wake up. I am trying very hard, especially this year, to stop, and look around every day even if it is just for a few minutes. It is remarkable how quickly the changes come as the trees begin to bud, and the flowers pop up from the ground. I feel like my mother as I describe these sights. I wish that I had noticed their beauty thirty years ago. That is what motivates my writing to you about them today. Taking a few moments each day to slow down and pause and look around will not set you back. There is so much to see and hear right now that is really spectacular, and offers momentary solace during times of great emotional turmoil and challenge in our country. Taking this pause is a wonderful way to practice Self-Compassion.
Spring brings a time for personal renewal, an energy opportunity to “take stock” of who we are and who we want to be, a kind of quarterly check in to think about the “Intentions” you may have established for yourself as we started this new year. You might have referred to these intentions as resolutions. I am referencing any thoughts you had at the start of the year for self care or self strengthening behaviors. How are you doing? Are you dedicating enough time to exercise? Do you have a good balance between your professional life and home life? Balance is so important and with this new warmer weather brings such a wonderful incentive to consider your priorities as we enter spring.
We continue to experience great strain and division in our country due to the instability in the decision making and direction of our current government. This instability continues to impact relationships within families among friends. Migrants are being sent to a horrible notorious South American prison. The President has stood by Pete Hegseth despite another significant security communication group chat fiasco. Bill Owens, long time producer of 60 minutes, resigned from his position, another serious blow to journalism in controversy with our new administration. The tariffs continue to send the price of groceries to new heights. For some reason, this week, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to break up Google declaring that they have a monopoly as an online search engine. I don't disagree that Google has somewhat of a monopoly with regard to search platforms. I do not know if this is good or bad. However, with everything we have going on in our country right now, how in the hell is this something the Justice Department needs to think about today?
Harvard took a stand this week and decided to sue the Trump administration taking the fight over federal funding and academic freedom to court. They are the first University in our country to publicly take a stand. Columbia University caved under pressure a few weeks ago. This is truly encouraging for higher education. These are positive signs. There was an outpouring of love from around the world as Pope Francis was buried this week. A Pope who will be remembered for his love, compassion, and understanding for everyone. There are individuals and groups taking a stand, speaking out, and protesting. A recent protest in downtown Portland was estimated to have had over four thousand five hundred participants earlier this month.
Self-Compassion is the most important action that each of us can remember to rely on each day during these difficult times when it is easy to feel helpless and discouraged. Self-Compassion provides skills that you can use no matter where you are, with independence. Self-Compassion practices will enable you to take care of yourself and keep your mind and your heart healthy.
Self-Kindness - Treating yourself with the same kindness that you would share with a friend or a family member. As your inner dialogue goes astray and begins to become judgmental and critical of any mistakes that you make,- change the direction to encouragement and appreciation for your efforts and for continuing to work hard. - Be well intentioned - and responsible.
Mindfulness - Stay in the difficult moments. We have a tendency, especially in our fast paced days to bury the difficult moments and not process the struggles. This can result in a build up of difficult struggles that eventually implode when you least expect it, and usually in a situation that does not warrant the level of reaction you project. By practicing Mindfulness, you process each difficult moment as it takes place, and ensure that your emotional regulation remains balanced.
Common Humanity - We are all a part of a common humanity. As such, we all suffer the same pain for the same reasons. We experience shame, fear, disappointment,and sadness. When we experience these emotions, our first instinct is to isolate. We feel as though no one else could feel the same pain that we are feeling. The truth is, everyone feels these emotions at various times in their lives depending on what is going on in their life on any given day. We are united in this-we have this in common. Knowing this encourages us to reach out to others realizing that most likely you are reaching out to someone who has experienced your pain.
I hope this reminder about the importance of Self-Compassion has been helpful. I hope you will continue to try to integrate practices into your daily life! Until next time, be safe, be mindful, be kind to yourself.