Embracing our Power in These Changing Times
The pandemic. It isn’t making headlines anymore, yet no one has declared it officially over. So many of us have ditched our masks considering all of the rules regarding masks and testing are relaxing. When it comes to protecting ourselves against this virus (and really all transmittable viruses) we should do what makes us the safest and most comfortable, but sometimes we might feel awkward making those choices.
For instance, I was at Costco a couple of months ago and even though I am fully vaccinated, I was not ready to go “naked-face.” I was surprised by my hesitation. I mean…I had my favorite shade of lipstick on and I was ready to FACE the world. But once I got in the store, I felt hesitant. Nervous—and a little exposed. I kept my mask on the entire time. I was flooded with questions as I looked around at the many masked faces and began to wonder:
“Do they think I’m an anti-vaxxer?”
“That dude should totally be vaccinated!”
“Is that dude vaccinated for reals?”
“Are people looking at me as I blow my nose? Do they think I’m infected?”
“That face shield is JACKED!”
“Why are pine nuts so expensive!?”
I was surprised by the internal dialogue and quickly realized that I was making a TON of assumptions. I was projecting my fears into the world and deducing information on all kinds of shit that I have no idea about! I have no idea the vaccination status of these people and frankly, making those judgments kept me small and in fear mode.
So I decided to 1-2-3-4-5 the crap out of this feeling of overwhelm and confusion.
1. STOP. Stopping and noticing the internal dialogue that doesn’t serve me is key.
2. BREATH. Taking a deep breath helps me look inward to my out truth vs. making shit up about others
3. ANALYZE. Ask the question ’Does it serve me to make assumptions about others right now?” I also asked, “Am I safe?” The answers to those questions were pretty easy—NO and YES, respectively.
4. DECIDE. Now I am in an empowered place to make the decision to remove judgment and embrace compassion for the people around me.
5. DO. This is where I remove fear and assumption in my life and gather my eggs and (expensive!) pine nuts and send as much love and compassion into the world that I can. We can all use some of that right now.
As we walk into the world again “naked face” and we start to embrace some normalcy in our lives, I am reminded of the four agreements. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz literally changed my life. I feel like embracing these sacred Shamanic tenants might be useful as we embrace our power in these changing times.
Here’s a sneak peek at them. I have read this book about 10 times and I get something new and insightful every time.
Be impeccable with your word. Be mindful of the words that you speak into the world. People are very fragile right now and your words hold power.
Don’t take anything personally. We can not control others around us—only the way we react to the world around us. Folks are coming out of a crisis right now and they may not be impeccable with their words. Release all toxicity directed towards you. It’s more about them than you.
Don’t make Assumptions. All that internal dialogue I mentioned above….Assumption…assumption…assumption. (Facepalm). 1-2-3-4-5 the shit out of any situation that brings you into fear mode where assumptions become truth. You don’t know what you don’t know, so ask for clarity if that serves you.
Always do your best. I love this agreement. Your best changes every day and once you embrace that, self-judgment dissipates. Wear the mask if that still feels right! When we intentionally try to do our best in each moment, we are at peace and remove self-criticism.