I just heard this in a zoom meeting today. It was a meeting of HSP’s like myself (highly sensitive person). The facilitator talked about doing the small things. Over time they add up even if it seems like nothing is being accomplished in the moment. We also talked about self compassion and no “should’s.”
There is so much going on in the world. It’s easy to find oneself torn between feeling helpless and having fantasies about being a superhero who can save the world and solve all the world’s problems. It will take more than one individual to resolve the situation in Ukraine. The worldwide support for Ukraine is heartwarming.
I find myself going into perfectionist mode as a reaction to stress. We are all feeling stress and overwhelm right now no matter how sensitive one’s nervous system. We reach out to each other for support and reassurance. The message I took away from my zoom meeting was “radical self care.” Take a break, breathe, treat yourself. Remind yourself constantly that you cannot solve all the world’s, your office’s, your school’s, your colleagues’, your family’s, your friends’, your children’s, your students’ problems.
I am dedicating this card to self care which is necessary for healing. The connection may not be very clear but I think that self care can even heal the world. When I have a moment to sit, breathe and relax, I discover ways that I can help. I can read the news and get informed about a particular situation. I can look for charitable organizations to offer financial support. I can volunteer. I can email a political leader who needs feedback from his or her constituents. Small steps that add up.
When I take a break, I also realize that doing mundane tasks such as household chores keeps my life more sane. When I take time to meditate, I feel more connected to my music and my teaching practice. I hear in my head The Great Gate of Kiev by Modest Mussorgsky which gives me warm feelings of a time before the war. I imagine an exotic and grand gate for a majestic people. I offer a prayer for their safety. Small steps.
These charitable organizations keep being mentioned as ones that offer direct support for Ukraine:
Save the Children
https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5748&mfc_pref=T&5748.donation=form1
Americares
https://secure.americares.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20052b?df_id=27487&mfc_pref=T&27487.donation=form1&_ga=2.9464885.1847193793.1646596241-1383211933.1646596241
Unicef
https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-children-are-bearing-brunt-intensifying-crisis-ukraine/39481?utm_content=Ukraine2&ms=cpc_dig_2021_Ukraine2_20210801_google_Ukraine2_delve_None&initialms=cpc_dig_2020_Ukraine2_20210801_google_Ukraine2_delve_None&gclid=CjwKCAiA1JGRBhBSEiwAxXblwQSGbadssCshq7Z7O6kQQO9l3OvKnM7LVhNx4phnB1Na9etAtv1E7hoCE6IQAvD_BwE
Take care and breathe!
The Inspiration for Violinists card deck
This “heal yourself” card is part of a 50 card deck. Every card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.