Here’s what I know so far, 2025 edition
I hope this finds you well. If it is a challenging time, I send this as a helpful reminder. Regardless of the up/down, easy/hard, abundant/constricted, or loved/lonely state you might be experiencing, we know one thing for sure— it will change. So, as an homage to my upcoming book, “Here’s What I Know So Far,” I’m sending on a short excerpt for both these times and during this dark time of year.
- Fear is not the way. Every news station and newsfeed is promoting some sort of fear about what will happen in the next months. Our biological systems are not meant to be scanning and finding things to fear all around us, without end. We are wired for challenge and engagement. Too much broad-spectrum fear essentially can’t be processed by our nervous system. Therefore, our heart rate, pulse, cortisol levels, sex drives, and ability to digest nutrients be come impaired. Counterbalance with play Limit your exposure to fear-based streaming or media by setting a timer, and consider it an exposure! Yes, a detrimental exposure. Then purposely counterbalance is play, joy, animals, children, love, sex/touch and exercise-especially outside.
- Make an effort to socialize. The pull towards being alone on electronic devices has been shown to increase depression and anxiety, and reduces the confidence of young people and singles to find love, connection, and partnership. If you feel you are being pulled into the bog of scrolling and streaming make a point to put the simplest engagements onto your calendar. Book exercise and other classes in advance so you are less likely to bag on them. Send random texts and messages to the people in your life and appreciate them. Be the one to begin the group text trail for scheduling group events. In for a penny, in for a pound as they say. Ask yourself, “Who really matters to me right now?” and then let them know by reaching out.
- Rest and renewal are not optional. Actually, one of the most optimizing things you can do for your body, brain, and mental health is to get two cycles of deep “slow wave” sleep per night. This often requires a decent “sleep hygiene” practice- yikes, when did that begin? I remember when TV went off the air, and yes, I know that dates me, but it did. Our phones were attached to buildings, and the news was delivered in paper goods. Now western civilization is always going due to cell phones and news feeds, and we literally have thousands of options to tune into at any given moment. Some people are taking “no tech” days or evenings. Try it, and notice how often you reach for your phone. Practice just being – either alone or with your loved ones.
- Judgement hurts the judger, not the judged. This is not to say you don’t see what you see or hear what you hear, and find it awful. Nor does this imply we don’t take action which is aligned with Personal values. But the constant inner dialogue of finding someone, or others, wrong, bad or stupid isn’t going to help long term. We are ALL conditioned by our family, genes, communities, and experiences. Every civilization goes through periods of upheaval and relative calm. As do families, relationships, and work environments. What is critical is to avoid the constant stream of hate or resentment for an Other or group, and let it cycle through. And finally, drop old, repetitive content when it tries to take center stage again.
- Truth is both relative and impersonal. When emotionally upset, it’s great to ask, “Is that really true?” Our emotions can take us down a high-speed bobsled chute, but checking the facts on those inner responses slows things down a bit and balance us. We evolve as we grow older, experiences change us, and wisdom slowly deepens, so even our own “truth” changes. The nourishment of operating authentically comes from understanding what is true and important for us, while simultaneously understanding it may not be the case for others.
- Peace has no limit. As we cultivate it, it grows. It can become like a golden thread permeating all experience. Seek peace; it’s a decision, a way of life, and it takes fortitude. Giving up being right for peace takes strength. However, the payoff is life feeling better every single day. Peace is its own reward. It facilitates gratitude, inspiration, kindness, and being touched by the sweet and beautiful. And, it is always here, under all the non-peace.
As we move through this tumultuous season, I hope this helps you- if even in a small way. One small, conscious action taken with the above in mind, builds that inner core of Inner Mastery.
