Times of Trouble

As I was driving into the ER early this morning I was dreading the St Paddy Day aftermath....the young people that drank too much, the older people that drank too much, the older people that drank and forgot to take their heart and diabetic medication, the drunks who fell down and didn't get up till this morning, and all the rest. Somehow I think that this isn't what the good St Patrick had intended. Chuckle.
I am always amazed at the problems that people mindFULLY create for themselves, even when they have some grasp of the consequences. Ohhh, Humans... such a weird and complicated bunch of creatures.
Then, of course, there is the havoc and the tragedy that we don't create, like the aftermath of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. I haven't been able to listen to the news and see images...much too painful. I always think, "What if that were happening to me and my family?" I can't imagine that level of fear and anguish.
An old colleague from residency runs an emergency dept in Hawaii. He tweeted that things were chaotic there with concerns about all the radiation leak that was moving towards the Hawaiin islands. I can only imagine!! We, here in Queens, were inundated last year when the Swine Flu epidemic went wild and people were fearful. The ER's had to set up tents in the parking lots to accomodate the numbers of people seeking help. I also remember the Fear Factor when after 9/11 everyone was guarded and white powder inside envelopes and Islam became the enemy. That kind of fear can paralyze a nation.
I believe that during these difficult times it is so important to create a calm and safe place for your body and your soul. It is important to have calm in your home. Play music. Shut the news off (how many times do you have to hear the same crap ?). Meditation and prayer are excellent ways to take a break from the choas around us and create a peaceful spot in our minds. Mindful prayer and meditation help you grasp that in THAT moment everything is ok...that the "worry" is false belief that our minds have created.
Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes at your desk, find a quiet spot during lunch or coffee break, or anytime you feel like your wheels are just spinning out of control...take some slow breaths, in and out, and allow the muscles of your body to relax. Pick a phrase or a thought to focus on..something simple like, "I just want to relax" or "Everything is good in my life at this moment". Feel the peace, feel the relaxation, know that in spite of the fact that life is sometimes unfair we can maneuver through it, and that all things, even the greatest of tragedies, passes...and that life goes on.
Wow, this was SOOO heavy.
Now the good news, it is SPRING here in NY (at least for today LOL).
Get out, stretch those hibernating muscles, feel the sun, and breath deep.
Don't forget...high dose antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, melatonin and NAC, are always good...those environmental toxins are everywhere.
Appreciate Life today.
Besos!!!