Now, more than ever, we need to be having the hard conversations, asking the tough questions, and sitting with uncomfortable thoughts. But doing so requires thoughtfulness. At the same time that we’re probing difficult concepts – like our own implicit bias – we need to make sure we’re tending to our relationships and our own self-care. So where do you start?
Begin by understanding your own thoughts and feelings…
I find it most beneficial to me and the people around me to start with my journal. When you take your grief, your anger, and your sadness out on other people – even in a well-intentioned conversation – that can invite arguments and misinterpretation. Gather your thoughts in a safe space by starting with yourself.
Free writing is not just a useful exercise for getting organized, it also lets you vent. Open your journal, give yourself permission to be angry and sad and let it out. There’s great healing power in getting your thoughts out there in your own voice. Once you do it, you get the grief and sadness out and are in a better place to act. Spiritual activist, Gabby Bernstein calls it “rampage on a page”, and it’s a helpful tool to sit with and understand our more uncomfortable thoughts and compose them before inviting conversation.
Part of the work here is taking on a growth mindset. This is something we can choose. To pull ourselves out of our own implicit biases takes skill and intention. We may not realize that racism is all around us until we take the time to think about it. When you do this, you will find the spark needed to help others, share love, give, and create a community. We’re all busy – take the time to find your guiding light. Don’t be afraid of your bad feelings; reconciling them is part of the journey to tuning into your spirit.
Nothing can stop you from growing and being the person you want to be except you.
Practice active listening…
Of course, finding peace, love and light in our lives means looking outwardly, too. The key is being an active listener. Rather than jumping in to tell people around us how to think or act – which can be tempting – taking the time to pause and listen is necessary to get people around you to open up. Let them talk without strings attached. Simply be there for them and productive conversations and solutions will follow. Listening is a two-way street. Find people who will listen to you when you need them and your relationships will be stronger.
I recognize that right now, you might not feel like working on yourself is conducive behavior when there are people out there suffering more than you. Look to Gabby Bernstein’s advice: Your suffering does not help elevate the world, rather, your joy does. Work on yourself to help others.
Educate yourself by reading and growing…
Learning from the words of others who have lived different experiences than us is the best way to open our minds and practice empathy. I put together a recommended reading list of books that I’ve been reading and working through.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Deep Denial by David Billings
Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
We’re living through a tumultuous time. Take care of yourself, and be mindful of the experiences of others who have had less privilege.
xo, Lizzie
Are you searching for an active listener or someone to hear you?
It’s important to remember a person’s health, nutrition, movement, environment, relationships, emotional health, and personal development are all connected and influence one another, which is why they need to be balanced. We can all thrive when we understand and appreciate the interconnection between our lives and our bodies. It often only takes a small change to have a huge impact on our well-being. Integrated Being is here for you … Schedule a time to jump on the phone for a nurturing safe space to let your voice be heard …
We all need a little more listening and reflecting in our lives right now and I want to show up for you to give you that space …
This week’s featured essential oil:(s) Peace and Console Blend
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and fearful—no matter what your age. doTERRA Peace Reassuring Blend of floral and mint essential oils is a positive reminder you don’t have to be perfect to find peace. Slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect with the composed, collected you. Use doTERRA Peace Touch Reassuring Blend to promote feelings of contentment, composure, and reassurance when anxious feelings overwhelm your emotions.
And another great oil for the emotions we are experiencing is Console. doTERRA Console Touch promotes feelings of comfort and hope during times of loss. This proprietary blend combines the sweet and musky aroma of doTERRA Console essential oil blend with Fractionated Coconut Oil for gentle application. Apply to the heart when feeling worried, sad, or unsettled. doTERRA Console Touch will help you close the door on sadness and take your first steps on a hopeful path toward emotional healing. Get it Here!
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Our emotional health greatly affects our physical health, such as hormonal balance and energy to function day to day.
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Our physical, relational, spiritual and professional success is dependent upon emotional maturity and our ability to handle obstacles
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Emotional wellness allows you to become the best version of yourself and can make your dreams come true
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And there are a variety of essential oils that can be a tool to help bring these ideas into focus
