Navigating a new normal in your heart and life

These words that are voiced so often in everything we read and hear. Words so many have said to me, "I can't stand this phrase", "I'm so tired of these words", and I know that feeling too.  I always think about changing the word 'navigating' to something more uplifting, or positive - but then, I think it's just a realistic and honest way to describe how so many of us are feeling, and how these times just are.  We are navigating these days, these times, still.  We are taking each day as it comes, and finding our way through. And in reality, so many of us know this feeling of 'navigating' uncertainty in other ways too. Navigating a new normal through other life circumstances and experiences, some deeply changing, and ways we've learnt to carry ourselves through.  I know this is true for me and it's not a phrase that's unfamiliar at all.  Perhaps this has felt true for you.  

Navigating a new normal.  I've heard this phrase used through so many times of uncertainty, change and transition.  

Those who've lived through and carry loss, grief, and love - we learn to navigate a new normal without them, a life where there may always feel and be a hole that can't be filled or replaced.  But life moves forward, and incredibly and remarkably, we find the courage to move along with it, over time, day by day. 

Those who live with chronic illness, or a diagnosis that changes life in every single way - we learn to navigate a new normal, a new way of living and being, adjusting to life in a new way, always choosing ways forward through our own unique healing journeys.    

Those who live with cancer - we learn to navigate a new normal.  Even if we are in remission, cancer changes us and our lives in every way.  We learn to live with the uncertainty and to just be within it all, with a deep presence and understanding of each precious moment, living in the here and now.  

Those who've lived through the bush fires from last year, know uncertainty too well.  From so many I've spoken to, you learn to navigate a new normal, through those times, and times after, where there's been so much damage, loss and grief, and it takes time, to rebuild and to find a sense of normal amongst so much change.

All of these feelings and emotions are so resonant for many through covid and the pandemic, last year, and ongoing, now.  Some of us have felt more affected than others during these times. And as we begin this year, it's been interesting to me to hear so many say that the hard times are behind us, when in reality, those who live overseas, aren't feeling that way at all.  I have friends overseas and my heart goes out to them all.  

I know 'navigating the new normal' isn't a term favoured by any of us. But it's truly what we are all doing.  Navigating - as in adjusting, directing, managing, moving through - all these definitions and meanings that are so very true.  Or perhaps more so, in a heart felt sense as I often like to express - finding our way and feeling our way through.  

And with all uncertainty, unknowns, and times of change and transition, I think (and know) that these themes and way of being within it all, can support us, to navigate this new normal with greater ease and calm, and to carry uplifiting hope and optimism as we continue to move forward. 

Be gentle with yourself. 
Take things slowly. 
Soften and let go of expectations and pressures of yourself, and others. 
Declutter your mind of worry of things you may not be able to control.
Express your thoughts and how you're feeling with someone you trust. 
Simplify your days, and take things one day at a time. 
Focus on things that bring you pleasure and joy - the beauty in all the small things.
Meditate, listen to guided relaxations, and soothing and calming music. 
Stay engaged with news and things you need to, to be in touch, and then switch off.
Be conscious, intentional and mindful of where and what you give your energy to - and bring your full presence to those things and people who truly matter, and enrich your life in mutual and loving ways. 
Be kind and compassionate to yourself. 
Speak loving words to yourself (and others).
Show understanding and consideration to others (we all have our own lives we are living). 
Listen to yourself, gift yourself grace, and support yourself in all the ways you need.
Bring yourself back to your breath as your constant anchor for ease and calm. 
Practice gratitude to enhance feeling of optimism and hope. 
Allow yourself to simply be, however you are, however you feel, in each moment, knowing that you are okay, it's normal to feel all that you do, and trust that as life unfolds and evolves - this too shall pass.  There are new beginnings and possibilities to stay focussed on, during these changing times.  
Deepen your presence and awareness in each moment, now.  Just as it is.  When we are present in each moment, we are not dwelling the past or worrying about the future, we are just here, in this moment, now.  
In all the ways you can, embrace an acceptance of just what is. Soften into the ease that comes with accepting what is, allowing what is, letting go of the fear of anything else. 

Be gentle with yourself.  Bring your gentle awareness to everything you do, and as you navigate a new normal in your own heart and life, ask yourself what truly nurtures you, what truly nourishes you, and what it is that you need and would most support you, in each moment, each day, moving forward.  And ask for support and reach out to those who know you can trust in, who will be there, and be open to receiving.   

Navigating this new normal isn't easy for anyone.  But we can truly use this time, as we have in times before, to really honour what support us, what serves us, what brings meaning to our lives, what fills us, what soothes us - in all kinds of ways, we can find out what feels aligned and true for us, and we can make choices and decisions and plans, that keep us open with optimism, hope and ways to keep moving forward.  In this new year, and ongoing.  

If you're finding things difficult and uncertain right now, please don't ever think you are alone.  It's not negative to feel worried or concerned.  It's just being honest.  And now more than ever, we need honesty and spaces and places to express how we truly feel, to feel supported and less alone.  I am here for you.  

Sending you ease and calm, and all my love 
x Katie