Healing in Turbulent Times – A message from One Mind’s Brandon Staglin

Yesterday morning I awoke to the news of a catastrophic event in our world: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. My stomach twisted as I listened to the radio’s accounts of the chaos on the ground there, the terror of Ukrainian families, and Russian President Putin’s threatening against the wider world’s resistance. 

Did you feel something similar? It is completely normal to feel scared in these increasingly turbulent times. Fear can challenge our ability to think clearly, to feel empathy for others, and to stay emotionally balanced. When we take steps to manage that fear, we can maintain our mental health and continue to show up as our best selves. Fortunately, science and traditional wisdom align on ways to do this well.

This morning, I think of the classic Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

When the horrific events in Ukraine are essentially out of our personal control, how do we find that serenity?

Psychological science indicates that our minds tend to fill with what we are experiencing. When we engage in activities that we enjoy and have agency, it can induce calm. I often feel anxiety, but when I play guitar, I feel intensely absorbed in the moment and sometimes enter a joyful “flow” state where awareness of all else falls away. What else can you do?

• One Mind Otsuka Rising Star Awardee Dr. Denise Cai recommends socializing with your friends and family, following your daily routine, and getting enough sleep each night
• Career coach Kyle Elliott nurtures his relationships, such as in online meetups and calling his grandparents. 
• Other science-supported activities to assist mental well-being include spending time outdoors, exercising and practicing mindfulness meditation.

You can hear more insights from Dr. Cai and Kyle in this clip from our past One Mind Brain Waves webcast episode, Caring for Yourself During a Crisis.

In the end, it helps to recognize that fear and anxiety are experiences we all share at one time or another. When we listen to others with kindness and compassion, it can spark new warmth in not just their hearts but also our own.

Now is the time to let our best selves shine through for our loved ones, our communities, and ourselves.

When fear knocks, how do you nurture your mental and emotional well-being? We at One Mind would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line.