In a highly intellectualized, information-addicted world, our go-to response in a crisis is to consume even more information than we normally would. We look to trusted public figures for cues on how to behave and what to think and feel. Or, alternatively, we take the opportunity to be a leader in the discussion, get our opinions out there and instruct others. But I really believe that there’s a third, better option to turn inward to the powerful arena where we actually have the greatest influence over what’s happening in the world.

Even as I write this and am aware of the irony, I personally am tired of seeing so much content. There is simply no substitute for your own personal self-care/mindfulness practice, and no answer for how to act right now better than the one within your own being. If you were to put down your device right now and go for a walk, or play with your kid, or sit down to meditate, or cook something delicious, that would be great.

But the reason why putting the device down right now is so hard, even for those of us who already do significant inner work, is that many healing modalities teach us to focus on what’s real and present (the implication being that whatever is causing our anxiety is not real and/or present). But the coronavirus is very real and it is affecting us right now. Spending significant time on inner work can feel like a fantasy, like we’re avoiding an external crisis that demands our attention.

I would like to offer some reminders that have helped to manage my thinking mind when I feel too overwhelmed to even stay with my bodywork practices. But before you read them, take a breath. Not necessarily a deep one, if it feels like forcing. Just notice what type of breath is available to you right now. Try lifting your arms out to the sides, just as far as it’s comfortable to go. Notice what that does to your breathing. It might calm you, or it might make things more intense. Just be with your experience. And consider these points:

-We are co-creators of the universe. All external work we do originates from the deepest parts of our being, whether we are conscious of it or not. If we co-create from a being that is dissociated and afraid, we will create more dissociation and fear. Conversely, if we co-create from a being that is grounded in love, our world will reflect that.

-The most important thing is practicing unconditional acceptance of our own personal experience. What if dissociation and fear are all that’s available right now? If we disown that, we are creating falseness and confusion. It’s possible to experience dissociation and fear with an underlying presence and support rather than feeding into it. Being here for whatever is real, even if it’s terrifying, will yield a more appropriate response than running away from it.

– I’m privileged to be writing about this with a roof over my head and enough food in my pantry (and toilet paper in my bathroom). If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably somewhat privileged. Recognizing that (without shaming or guilting yourself for your privilege) may stimulate gratitude and calm the nervous system, making whatever other practice you use easier and more effective. Don’t try to force gratitude or feel guilty if it’s not there, but if it arises, that’s a cool thing.

-The economic burden of coronavirus is not ours to bear. The government already wants us to feel guilty about climate change as though it weren’t the result of the gigantic systemic issue of relying on fossil fuels and unsustainable agricultural practices. And now, the government would have us bear the financial burden of the COVID-19 economic fallout individually, even though in reality the crisis exposes the failings of a classist system that doesn’t care for all of its citizens’ financial wellbeing or at the very least provide universal health care. Yes, we need to make smart decisions right now to secure our finances whether it’s our fault or not, but do we need to add to that burden by feeling bad for not having chosen a more lucrative or stable career path in our youth (or a career that could be done online)? Do we need to internalize the messages that we don’t matter if we’re not rich just because our government doesn’t seem to think we do?

That last point was hard to write. My heart rate is a little bit higher now. How’s yours? Take a breath. Wiggle your toes. And sit with that last point a little longer. It’s not our burden to bear. It’s not our fault. And let your response to that point permeate your whole body. How you are acting in this crisis, how you are caring for yourself and your loved ones (short of harming others), is right. It is enough. You are enough. Keep going and know you are not alone.