Tools for Healing: Coping in Crisis
The single most important thing that can happen right now in this pandemic is that we feel our collectivity — that we’re really here to help each other move through this. And the truth is each one of us can help. We have a real gift to offer each other just by who we are and how we come forward.
Tara Brach
The Rape Recovery Center staff can meet virtually! We realized that we must meet our clients where they are to lessen the sense of uncertainty and anxiety. Self-care and connection are critical in our world, especially in our healing journeys. As we continue exploring ways to support survivors and the community, we asked our staff to share how they cope and practice self-care. It takes a collective and communal approach to heal. We hope these ideas, reflections, and resources are helpful to you.
I am increasing the frequency and length of my daily meditation practices to support feeling grounded and centered. Meditation also promotes my spiritual practice and self-reflection. I have used Tara Brach's Online Meditations and Embodied Together videos.
Having a young [demanding] dog means staying home 24/7 is not an option. I have been going on 2-3 walks a day around the block and down to a park near my home. Typically, I video chat with friends and family during this time or listen to a podcast. The one I have liked lately is Unlocking Us with Brene Brown.
I'm finding more tangible ways of setting boundaries between work, like designating work clothes and remembering that when I finish work, I should change into fresh clothes. I plan to try things to anchor myself when I start and end work.
Many fitness instructors and dance teachers are taking their classes on online platforms - I’ve been trying different ones. They’re fun and typically free or at a reduced rate.
Remember Marie Kondo? I’ve been sparking joy through organizing and getting rid of things that no longer serve me in different rooms in my house. I’ve been taking advantage of online workout apps, taking more time to meditate and create art, and have taken classes on herbalism and writing from a local shop, Greenthread Herbs, and Rupi Kaur via Instagram Live. I’m finally using recipes like this, I’ve wanted to try.
Join live groups that are not work-related via Zoom to help stay connected while keeping physical distance. For example, Liberate Meditation (Mediation for and by BIPOC) offers live meditation groups. My partner and I are also setting up virtual get-togethers with friends, family, and spiritual community via Zoom.
I’ve been doing Yoga with Adriene. She has a 30-day challenge that I’ve been doing every day. I also limit my news intake, which is helpful.
Many lectures I previously would not have been able to attend (geographically speaking) have moved online! If you have specific academic or hobby interests, look at related universities and organizations and search through their events. You’ll see that many have moved online, and you can join for free!
If you have favorite musical artists or visual artists - many are now performing online or joining online art collectives. Check your favorites to see if they’re doing anything like live Twitch shows, Instagram lives, Facebook lives, or posting new artworks on virtual art gallery accounts on Instagram or private websites. It’s also a great way to support your favorite artists.
We hope you will join us as we all learn new practices for self-healing and seek virtual connection. You can find all our Tools for Healing here.