From Overwhelm to Equilibrium

A tiny sip of social media this afternoon took me under. Ripe with worry for the world and humanity, I found myself swirling with fear and sadness.   This, after a wonderful weekend enjoying nature and the presence of my family in Northern Michigan.  A tiny sip swelled until my head and heart were full of concern and the gratitude I was filled with slipped away.  

And so, I went for a walk.  I found a field, and I removed my shoes, and I walked slowly - grounding my energy and using the magic of nature to bring me back to myself and the here and now.  As I walked, I thought of how extreme everything feels right now.  Subtle and obvious tug-of-wars happening everywhere I look.  A planet of organisms fighting to find balance and equilibrium.   And I wondered: what can I do?  

The answer brought me back to the Camino.  Yes, again – the Camino helped taught me so much.  The answer isn’t so much an answer as it is an action.  It took me back to Day 3 of the walk – a 15 mile day and the mantra that helped me through that day and each one following.  “Sa Ta Na Ma”.

This mantra is composed of four primal sounds (Sa, Ta, Na, Ma) representing the cycle of life: Infinity, Life, Death, and Rebirth. This mantra is believed to clear the subconscious mind, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress.  It has accompanying finger movements that help to engage the whole body in the chant.   This chant reminds me “in each moment, I am made anew.”.  In each moment I am present and aware I can begin again.

While walking, this mantra helped me stay present to what was there on the path - whether it was pain in my body or worry in my heart.   It helped me stay with whatever arose until it passed or became a new understanding meant to stay with me.  It helped me remember that in each moment, I can choose where I focus.  I can start over.  And I also cannot escape what is here in this moment – around me and in me.

After a few barefoot laps in the field, I returned to the sidewalk.  Feeling reconnected to myself and my center.  Leaning less into the extremes and remembering that is where my power lies.  That is where clarity resides.   That is where my heart and mind connect and I am reminded of the action I can take to support myself and others. 

So here I am writing with fresh grassy feet and equilibrium restored.  Tomorrow, there will likely be another tiny sip that threatens to become a flood.  And, I will remember not to push through.  If I can, I’ll go walk, in a field, if possible.  Whether I walk or not, I will remember: in each moment of presence, I am made anew.   And, so are you.