493: Coronavirus Self-Care: Looking after what's inside when we can't go outside
Today we're talking about Coronavirus Self-Care and the importance of looking after our internal world during these challenging times.
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Points covered in this episode:
We are living through a time that challenges our desire to control. With social distancing and stringent rules in place, many are feeling cut off from loved ones or deprived of the diversion of work and entertainment.
When such challenges present we have two choices: to react or respond.
Reacting means we affirm our objections, we get snagged on what we miss and what makes us feel uncomfortable about the situation. Responding means we do the best we can from where we are and with what we have. And it's the option where we suffer less.
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
We all go through life thinking that our view of things is reality. It isn't. Our thoughts and feelings are shaped by past trauma, the intrusive opinions of others, negative beliefs inherited or adopted. This is how we form the lens through which we view the world and its events. It's not plain glass, it's not a true, clear reflection.
Ayurveda teaches that mental peace begins when we understand this and start working with it. It’s healthy to look at our reactions, our feelings and our habits.
THE POWER OF SELF-CARE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
We cope much better with everything when we take care of ourselves.
“When fishermen can’t go to sea they repair their nets.”
Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience
We need to cultivate immunity both physically and mentally at this time, our mind needs protection from incoming information that can trigger stress and anxiety.
Mental immunity or resilience means focusing on working from the inside out. It means committing to active self-care morning and evening…
Start the day with a moment's quiet reflection to set you up for the day.
Move through the day by listening to your body. Stay hydrated and eat a clean as you can.
End the day counting your blessings and following a routine to help you get a good night’s rest.
Learning and drawing inspiration from others
We need to actively learn from the people that know how to cultivate peace, whether it's in conversations, reading, listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
Looking after our inner world means making the choice to nourish our mind in the same way that we nourish our bodies.
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