Spooky Season, for REAL
It’s October & it’s getting spooky. Not in an almost Halloween, sweet potato pie, cozy sweater, ghosts, or witches in lawn kind of way. It’s getting spooky, in a, what even is America kind of way.
Ladies how y’all feel? Fellas y’all alright? Folks ya’ll feeling ok?
From ICE raids sweeping our major cities, hard working humans living in a state of fear nervous if they or their loved ones will return home, massive job layoffs nationwide, financial insecurity, school shootings left and right, the cost of living continuing to skyrocket, and…..We are surviving SPOOKY times.
At times in the hustle and bustle of life we forget to genuinely and lovingly check in with ourselves. I honor that in moments of uncertainty and danger we do our best to internally prepare so we can weather whatever storm is headed our way. That preparation can feel deeply productive when we feel our circumstances are out of our control. The first critical step is acknowledging, “I do not have control and that is _______” The more we call it out and in, we can begin to resource ourselves with intention.
When we are preparing and confronting our lack of control thoughts can feel like they are moving faster than usual, our heartbeat is more noticeable as we stand still, sleep feels harder to fall deeply into, and we are lost in the future; planning for what ifs and what coulds. All of the above is our nervous systems way of grasping at morsels of safety. Its normal to prepare, to brace, to plan….but may I offer another tool?
This blog serves as a quick pause & check-in to see, how are you?
I, Camille, remember walking alongside my clients during the devastating year of 2020. The year where COVID and horrific racial violence altered the pace of our life. As heartbreaking and intense of a time that time was, there was no other place I would rather be! The only tool I could give my clients was permission to slow down and return back to themselves. Returning back to self, is a time-tested tool that has been utilized for generations. Sweet intergenerational wisdom made tangible. As many of our ancestors weathered centuries long storms and found their strength to carry on…. during uncertainty, unprecedented, dangerous, and devastating times from, WITHIN.
Take it back to the basics!
Plan intentional weekly check-ins with yourself. The feelings wheel is an amazing tool to utilize daily as you reorient and understand where and how you are.
Pick a time of day that feels easy to maintain and prioritize week to week (e.g. most clients make this check in a part of their morning routine or their bedtime routine)
Answer these following questions: “I think” “I feel” “I need”
One thing you're thinking at that moment, one thing you are feeling in that moment, and one thing you need as a result.
Refer to the feelings wheel to help you put words to your experience.
Example: I think I am nervous about this meeting today, I feel discouraged, insecure and anxious. I need to be intentional with my schedule this morning to carve out time to do my meditation/prayers and center myself before.
I am sending you warmth and care as you navigate however this may find you. Make time for yourself to learn where you are and what you may need and give it to yourself. Seriously. Remember you are never alone. Along with this activity if you would like to connect with a trusted professional to journey alongside you we are currently accepting new clients and would love to work with you! We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans and Aetna. You can schedule a free 15-30 minute consultation, here.
We are all we got! Sow & Seed is here to help!
With so much care & validation (it’s spooky , for real!)
Camille