Recognize that transformation happens in the midst of messiness and disruption, viewing these periods as dynamic movements that can lead to internal and external change.
Instead of resisting disruptions, allow them to change you, as forcing against them can prevent transformation and keep you stuck in old patterns.
Utilize your experiences of turmoil and suffering as ‘mud for the lotus flower,’ recognizing that these difficulties can be used to contribute to society and fuel personal growth.
Instead of trying to fix all of life’s troubles to create a perfect existence, engage with and utilize the inherent difficulties of living as part of the experience.
Approach interactions and experiences with a mindset of continuous discovery, recognizing that even familiar people or ideas require rediscovery each time.
Cultivate an appreciation for the beauty and sacredness of the unknown aspects of life, viewing them as opportunities for discovery rather than dilemmas.
Revisit familiar concepts, people, or ideas with a ‘beginner’s mind,’ allowing new insights and perspectives to emerge, even if you think you already know them.
Strive to hone a sense of gentleness and softness in daily life, similar to the profound openness experienced when witnessing death, to engage with the world from a more tender place.
When taking action, ensure it stems from an open, sacred, and deliberate place that opens your heart, allowing for both gentleness and strength.
Use practices like breath, song, meditation, chanting, and stillness to consistently bring yourself back to your heart consciousness and stay connected to the earth.
Practice ‘being love’ by engaging in the direct experience of the world every moment without judgment, the need to be an expert, or the urge to fix things, embracing a state of not knowing.
Practice observing babies as they look around, aiming to develop a similar way of seeing – without judgment, expertise, or the need to know anything.
If new to meditation, especially during chaos, start with very short periods, like one or two minutes of sitting still to breathe, as your system is accustomed to its current way of dealing with chaos.
Take one or two minutes to simply breathe in and out, as this brief pause can change the tone of your subsequent engagements with the world.
Incorporate ‘sips of silence’ throughout your day, pausing whenever possible for a minute or two, allowing phone calls and texts to wait.
Periodically disengage from news and ongoing conversations, even for a minute or two, to create a moment of quiet and reset your engagement with the world.
When fear arises, simply note its presence and take a few breaths with it, treating it like a temporary visitor rather than immediately analyzing or trying to get rid of it.
When experiencing strong physical sensations related to difficult events, allow them to process within your body through breath and stillness, rather than immediately intellectualizing them in your mind.
Practice breathing with difficult or ancestral sensations in your body to allow them to process without causing harm, fostering stillness and self-care.
Cultivate awareness of what’s happening in your body and allow it to guide you, rather than solely relying on intellectual analysis.
When fear arises, simply note its presence and take a few breaths with it, treating it like a temporary visitor rather than immediately analyzing or trying to get rid of it.
Practice being present with pain and suffering in the moment, even if only for a brief period, to engage with your current experience.
Instead of trying to escape feelings of tenderness or vulnerability through various forms of abuse, learn to be present with these emotions.
To truly heal internal wounds, engage directly with them rather than externalizing the problem onto others, which prevents personal transformation.
When undergoing personal transformation, especially with tenderness, allow the process to unfold even if it’s confusing, and avoid letting the analytical mind interfere with the experience.
Allow for integration of new understandings by pausing and engaging in the process of discovery, rather than rushing to conclusions.
When faced with injustice, consider a thoughtful and measured response, such as writing a letter, rather than immediately crumbling or reacting with overwhelming anger.
Consider using teas, herbs, or other professional help from a trusted herbalist or doctor to calm your nervous system during times of trouble and turmoil.