Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
Haruki Murakami
Throughout our lives, both individually and collectively, we encounter numerous challenges and go through various phases. This is a natural part of earthly polarity, experience, and growth. However, the way and timing in which we integrate these experiences differ for each of us.
During difficult times, often without even realizing it, we prolong and amplify our struggles. Sometimes, we fail to turn to the things that would help us—or even deliberately avoid them. Other times, we seek comfort in things that may ultimately harm us even more in the long run.
My first suggestion: Do not abandon the things that genuinely support you during hard times. Instead, make space for them consistently, in all seasons of life, as a form of ongoing practice. If you have any excuses or limiting conditions preventing you from doing so, take a moment to reassess and restructure them. You may also recognize that this practice serves as a preventative measure.
What helps us recover during tough times?
How frequently do these elements appear in your daily life?Which ones are more accessible to you in difficult periods?Which ones would you like to add to your toolbox?
Connecting more with the body and listening to it—paying attention to sleep, exercise, nutrition, and supplementation.
Spending time in nature, observing it, grounding, and connecting with the four elements.
Engaging with activities you loved as a child, as they are deeply tied to joy, wisdom, love, essence, and the zest for life.
Making time for your own needs and priorities.
Expanding your engagement with music and the arts.
Allowing yourself to grieve.
Detoxing in various forms, including digital detox.
Spiritual practices and readings.
Energy healing, breathwork, and meditation.
Somatic practices and movement therapy.
Practices that cultivate understanding and compassion.
A nourishing environment and a few close relationships that can hold space for you.
Seeking help, sharing, writing, speaking, expressing.
Looking beyond yourself—serving, creating, contributing.
Spending more time with those who nourish your creativity, inspire, and uplift you while reducing exposure to negativity.
Practices that help shift your perspective.
A short change of environment, if possible—a trip or a retreat.
Emotional regulation and resilience-building exercises.
Gratitude.
Surrender and contemplation.
Focusing more on the good and allowing it to grow.
Having physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual tools for challenging times is not only valuable for personal well-being but also for the collective. Similar energies attract each other, and as you know, your state of being affects everyone—from your closest circle to the broader world.
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