Dealing with life’s disruptions: 5 tips on how to navigating the unknown.
Greetings! And—I’m off! Heading to Sweden this afternoon to spend two months with my family. My dad has been diagnosed with health issues that we’re going to face together as a family.
In my preparation for this temporary, yet significant “disruption” of life as I know it, I’m acutely aware of all the emotions that rise up when we face an “unknown.” After 2020, you’d think we’d be used to uncertainty & the unknown and not be flooded with feelings…
While I’m super excited to see my family & friends, there’s also a myriad of other feelings to sort through. Things like: being away from my home, my routine, the people I love…And, my dad’s health….and adjusting to being with family 24/7…and not having the privacy I’m used to…and feeling selfish….and the list goes on. So, in short: overwhelmed. Yet: committed to awareness & powerful, positive change. I’m in it, my friends. I’m in the Gestalt. I’m going in deep.
As human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of our life. I’m asking: what is life asking of me now?
So here’s what I’m practicing and my tips for how to be comfortable with the unknown:
Ground into the things you do know. First things first: Focus on the things you do know. Stick to facts, and try to stray from fear.
Let spirituality make you feel safe. Sometimes, placing your faith into a higher power—be it God or a sense of energy—can help you shake off any inadequacy you may feel for not knowing all the answers.
Practice intuition. Intuition can help defuse the scary thoughts creeping up in your mind. The key here is to ask yourself: "Is this true or not? Is the information I'm getting based on fear, facts, fiction..?
Surrender. Accept the fact that the unknown may remain a mystery. And, get some sleep/ rest! It’s so important to our mental health.
Breathe. It will reduce anxiety and stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness.
Being comfortable with the unknown takes self-awareness, acceptance, and a little faith—isn't that what mindfulness is all about? I struggle the most with #4: my sleep habits is the evidence.
Tell me, how do you relate to my experience? What is your practice when you face change? I’d love to hear from you!
To Powerful, Positive Change…Cheers!