Personal and community resilience using mindfulness and compassion (Part II)

(In light of the Clayton fire, I am reposting this blog for those in our community that are newly traumatized by this event, as well as for the Valley fire survivors who maybe retraumatized by the event. I hope it is helpful.)

As we use a curious and kind attention to discover and accept our responses to difficult events, we consciously can let go of the self-judgement thoughts--"I didn't lose near as much as many others." "It's been six months since the fire, I shouldn't be feeling this way." "It's not okay to ask for help." In letting these thoughts go, our mind becomes more at ease and can focus more on supporting our perfectly natural process--including navigating the myriad steps forward into our new lives.

Here are some tips that may support our resiliency and process:

• Take frequent breaks throughout the day. A 5-minute mindful break can do a lot to shake off any stress that may be accumulating in the body and mind and serve to help us refocus our attention on the important things. A mindfulness break can be anything from sitting quietly with eyes closed; placing hands on our heart and torso and tuning into the natural breath; taking a mindful walk outdoors; literally "shaking it off" with impromptu movement or dance; yoga; and/or stretching--basically anything that brings our attention into our body and the present moment experience.
• Eat regularly and healthily. When our bodies go into stress response, our digestion and immune responses tend to shut down (it's evolutionarily wired into our biology). We may not feel as hungry as we would normally, so taking regular breaks to eat mindfully can not only guarantee we get our needed nutrition, it may help us come more fully into the present, relieving the mind of ruminating, anxious thoughts. Mindfulness can help, particularly if we find ourselves (like I did!) eating more than my body was hungry for. It's not uncommon for us to use food to comfort ourselves, and since those of us susceptible to substance overuse may notice an increase, bringing a mindful eye to our consumption can be a compassionate and helpful response, as overuse of substances can hinder our recovery in the long run.
• Strengthen and rely on our social networks. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is be surrounded by loving and supportive people. Particularly people we feel safe around Everyone from our intimate partners, family, and close friends to our social organizations, support groups and community action groups can be a great help at this time. It may even be helpful to reach out to support groups that are specific for our trauma. In the case of the #ValleyFire, the California H.O.P.E. team offers crisis counseling groups in the fire-affected region on a weekly basis. We might be amazed to discover a whole new community experiencing similar reactions. It's important to share our heart, fears and concerns with those we feel safe with and know can meet us and hold us with a kind attention and acceptance.
• Do the things we love. We may be overwhelmed with activities that are necessary for recovery--insurance claims, rebuilding tasks, tax returns and the like--but it is important on the road to our new life to include those things that give us the most pleasure. Joining loved ones or friends at the movies, hiking or biking in inspiring areas, visiting our favorite gallery or museum or dining at our favorite restaurant--all of these can be helpful to nurture our way through.

It's a perfect time to embrace living our lives from intentions rather than expectations.

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