Peace is hard to come by these days. The world is chaotic in ways we could have never imagined. Our lives are dominated by technology that demands our constant attention. Many of you may have seen a post I made this week about going off the grid (like OFF-OFF!) after 5pm every day at the recommendation of my therapist. I come to this technology every day and make suggestions for self-love, self-compassion and self-care and yet, here I have been staring at my phone well past the time that I am already exhausted. The news cycle never stops. We are aware of things happening that would've taken at least a day or two or sometimes more to even find a way to us. This barrage of constant stimulation is detrimental to my nervous system. I've recently had some physical difficulties immediately following some big grief that snuck right up on me. It's a heady combination and I've been having trouble getting back up on top of my energy. "I'm so tired," I keep repeating to my therapist. So, I've begun this new routine at least for a while. Just two days in and I can already feel a difference, although I must admit, it has come with a fair amount of mind noise (and a tiny bit of cheating as I peek super quick at social media--my record got better each night and will continue to do so) and worry, and fear. Even though I've made it clear that of course, I want to know if there's a real emergency and I'm needed, the caretaking parts of me are freaking right the frack out!"What? Not be monitoring every second?!?" It's eye-opening. Love is not dependent upon social media. Love is not dependent upon constant streams of information. Love depends on a heart capable of caring for myself, a heart that I fill up and then pour onto others. It's an interesting quest, and one in which I encourage anyone who can, to participate. Set firm limits for when you need to be off electronics for the day. Addictions come in all forms. I'd like to become addicted to feeling calm and rested with a regulated nervous system in order to have extra energy with which to carry my mission of more kindness and love into the world. Love yourself first and love others. (And put down the damn phone!)
Love, Cheri ❤️™
