Today, I felt the weight of last night’s news as my regular Pilates students walked into the room. Their body language, even their faces, reflected a heaviness, a mixture of shock, frustration, and uncertainty. In class, I kept politics aside and focused instead on something grounding and productive.
I incorporated Qigong, adding new ways to move and release. We punched the air, and through Pilates movements, our breath transformed into an expression of our feelings.
Playfulness emerged, and by the end, our grimaces softened into smiles.
While exercise isn’t a solution to everything, suppressing our feelings or lashing out won’t ease our concerns. Here’s how we might approach today—and the days to come—with intention and self-care.
One student shared: “I’ll focus on what I can control today.”
It’s true—amid chaos, some things remain ours to hold.
Focus on What You Can Control
Our breath
Our bodies (whatever parts we can move)
Our reactions
Our buy-in to our own thoughts
Our perspective
Our choices
Choosing to bring peace and joy to ourselves and others isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Let’s channel compassion and strive to understand those who differ from us. If we don’t, who will?
1. Do Hard Things to Stay Present
Exercise, for example, requires concentration. The harder we work, the more we must stay present, stepping away from anxious thoughts into the now.
2. Connect with Nature
Step outside and remember—nature is oblivious to our elections. Connect with the trees and bees, grounding yourself in the natural world.
3. Express Your Negative Emotions
Feelings of anger and fear are valid and real. Don’t suppress them, but try expressing them in ways that release:
Sharp exhales
Punching the air or a pillow
Martial arts or intense exercise
Big, free scribble drawings
Working with clay or other creative outlets
Watching a movie to help you cry if you need to
Consider forgiveness practices, even if just for yourself. When ready, forgiveness can be liberating, separate from any erasure of past wrongs.
4. Connect with Loved Ones and Community
Reach out to others. Being alone may feel tempting, but community is a powerful source of resilience.
Go for a walk and say hello to others
Pet a neighbor’s dog or cat
Call up a friend
Spend time with loved ones, even if it means reducing work hours this week
5. Cultivate Positive Emotions
Once you’ve expressed the heavier emotions, find ways to fill back up with positive energy:
Spend time in nature
Look at cute animals
Enjoy a warm drink or soup
Color, make mandalas, or create art
Practice loving-kindness meditation
It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—fear, sadness, hope. We don’t have to choose just one.
Check back here for more suggestions in the days to come.
With kindness and solidarity,
Coach Misted
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