In the Chrysalis: 5 Ways to “Get off the Subject” to feel better right now.

I heard on a podcast the other day “The Positive Head Podcast” that we are experiencing being in a chrysalis right now. I believe that this is an opportunity to look within ourselves as we are spending our time at home and see who we are and how we can grow as human beings.

This is an opportunity for us. Many times important opportunities look very different than what we think them to be. They can be disguised as times that are difficult, inconvenient, lonely, isolating. However, I do believe we need this time for us to grow and the earth to heal so that we can all learn to come together for this entire planet. It doesn’t mean this path won’t have many obstacles for us to overcome, however if we start to view it as an opportunity to grow and change in the chrysalis, it can be so amazing for us.

I personally have had days that have been difficult. The first week of staying home it was very sunny. The weather helped so much because we all got outside more, I spent a lot of time in my garden, connecting with the earth, a lot of time on walks with my son. It was so uplifting to see the sunlight and feel the warmth. Things were uncertain, however I felt lots of energy from the sun and dove headfirst into action to help people as best I could. I did have one difficult day that week. It was because I really need to be around a lot of people to thrive and feel lots of connection. Even though the weather was nice, I was missing being in person with a large variety of people. I couldn’t get together with people for coffee or meetings, or see clients in their homes. I had a bit of an emotional breakdown one day, but felt better after letting the emotions take me over for a while.

On the flip side, the second week was tougher. The weather turned gray and rainy. I felt myself slip into a sadder mood. Not really sure what my job was anymore. I really thrive on helping others and doing lots of work every day. I worked at keeping my routines up and that helped, but I still felt a bit lost and a bit down. All the while, most of the days I still showed up, did my writing and did my best. I wasn’t feeling myself though. My world seemed so much smaller. I had tried the week before to attend large zoom meetings, but felt very lost there instead of connected. I decided that I needed to reach out more, so I set up a zoom call with a dear friend. We decided to have a “zoom afternoon tea.” This really lifted my spirits so much. I had a purpose for the day! I set out beautiful china, my teapot, made some scones and enjoyed our chat so very much! I believe that one on one time and chats is what I need most right now. I’m so thankful to the universe because this week I have several one on one zoom calls scheduled.

I believe it is so, so important that while we are in this chrysalis stage, to reach out and connect with each other. Some of us will thrive with large groups, while others of us will do better with one on one talks. Make these special! Get out your best plates, get out your good cups. Make the meal and the time special. Dress up a bit if that makes you feel good.

Getting “off the subject” is a very powerful way to move forward right now in the world. As the earth takes its time to heal, as we heal as a human society, we need to come up with ways to create realities in our homes that are nurturing and powerful. Look towards things that you can enjoy, look towards beauty in nature you can admire, look towards activities that bring you joy. Yes, do the work that you need to do every day, create a daily practice that you look forward to and keeps you going. However, “get off the subject” by doing as many things that make you smile and laugh as possible.

I know that last week I focused too much on “how will I get back to work if I can’t work in client’s homes.” This focus really didn’t get me anywhere and it brought me more frustration. This is why I have decided that my only job this week is to show up by writing, by helping others in my Facebook group “Love Your Home.” to chat with others and support them, get ideas from others and do a bit of studying. The rest of the time I will be looking to do things that bring me joy to get me “off the subject.” I will be walking outside more, doing some hobbies like calligraphy and more.

While we are learning and growing within the chrysalis and awaiting the great beauty that is to come, we can rediscover who we are and what brings us joy by “getting off the subject.” What ways can you do that today?

I suggest 5 ways:

1. Come up with a daily practice. This can be journaling, making tea, taking a walk, watching the sunrise, meditation, exercise or any combination of these. I also find that combining things like journaling while enjoying coffee and lighting a candle can be a very powerful way to start the day.
2. Take breaks to walk outside, whatever the weather.
3. Reach out to others to create one on one time or group time virtually.
4. Create things you can look forward to on your calendar. We had a virtual brunch with friends this Sunday. We made a special meal, special drinks and had a nice chat online.
5. Take a break from social media. Take a “sabbath” day. On Sunday I looked once at Instagram and I stayed off of Facebook for the whole day. (except for posting a poll in my group). This is so helpful because it helps you to decompress from what everyone else is doing. I also plan on limiting social media this week so that I can concentrate on my dailly practices.

I would love to know what is keeping you going right now during this time of introspection and healing.

With lots of love,

Trista