Mindfulness in the chaos

​Just when we thought things were calming down with the COVID pandemic, we are faced with the prospect of another world war.
We might not have the option to avoid chaos, but we have a choice over how we respond to it.
 
Chaos can hijack your senses, making you feel trapped. Day after day of uncertainty can leave your head spinning, and yet you can give yourself freedom by focusing on each breath.
As you notice each breath, your parasympathetic nervous system takes over, and you can feel free to settle into a moment of calm.
 
There are some who thrive on these world events, and they may breathlessly catch you up with every painful update.
You have every right to calmly, kindly say no, and ask for a little break from the subject. You can do the same by temporarily disconnecting from social media.
 
Mindfulness is about gaining distance from the chaos.
You can do this by focusing on your breathing, and simply noticing each thought, feeling, and bodily sensation that emerges.
This distance gives you the choice about how to respond, rather than to react impulsively.
 
I hope you found this useful.
 
Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC
Psychotherapist, author of Beyond the Blue, and LGBTQ+ advocate ​
#beyondtheblue #beyondthebluebook