Tuesday’s tea ~ calming chamomile

Today, it’s very important for each and every one of us to slow down and take our time. We can all use some chamomile tea to calm down.

If you are living in the U.S., today is election day, a very stressful time for everyone. Whichever side you are on, winning or losing, or maybe third party, or even if you choose not to participate in the election, there’s going to be a group of angry and disappointed people. And the hours leading up to election, not knowing what will happen or who will win, are very aggravating. The campaign ads and propaganda are extremely provoking and emotional.

We must also not forget that we just finished daylight savings on Sunday, putting us back in “real time.” Please do not underestimate the stress that daylight savings puts on us, even during the fall when we get that “extra hour” which seems nice, another hour to sleep in. But overall, one hour difference causes significant stress on our bodies, even when we are unaware of it. Daylight savings is an unnatural rhythm that affects us psychologically and physically. Time is the one thing everyone relies on to keep us “sane.” I’ve noticed, the more stressed I am, the more I find myself checking the time. I feel like humans hold onto “time” as the one things that grounds us in reality.

We are also still feeling the full moon from Halloween. Data shows that more crimes are committed and more acts of violence happen during a full moon. While it’s not scientifically proven, I do believe a full moon makes us all extra looney.

And on top of all that, we are still living in a pandemic. This is worldwide. It may not be the kind of virus you see in the movies, but large quantities of people have died this year and continue dying because of it. You might still have your job if you’re an essential worker, but plenty of people have either become jobless or forced to work from home, possibly permanently. I’m the type of person who loves to stay home all day, but the thought of suddenly being told I must work from home without it being my own choice, beyond my control, would give me so much anxiety.

Meanwhile, during this pandemic that may have no end, the news is showing countless celebrities who are using their money and fame to “pretend the pandemic doesn’t exist” — “even just for one night,” they say. And then they’re posting these pictures for everyone to see, for those who have lost family, parents, children, best friends to COVID. Of course this is causing tremendous outrage and aggravation, as if there was not enough of it already. And yeah, we should be outraged by this.

Even if you still have your regular job, still haven’t lost anyone you know personally to COVID, still are emotionally uninvolved in the election, you can still feel the stress of everyone around you. Everyone is one edge. There’s a lot of changes, a lot of unknowns, and SO many things beyond our control. It’s a very scary time.

So while I do agree that we should all be outraged — instead of letting rage take over, be conscious of your outrage. Be safe during this pandemic. Don’t support corrupt celebrities and politicians, don’t give them your money or your fear.

Just take your time today. Do things a little more slowly, if you have to. Be aware that everyone is on edge, whether they will admit it or not. Focus on what you CAN control, and find a way to make peace with what you can’t. This world is in DIRE NEED OF HEALING! Your anxiety will tell you to stir things up, to cause drama, to talk more, maybe even yell, to disrespect people’s boundaries. Give people space today. Don’t push buttons. And most of all, be kind to yourself and respect yourself.

It’s okay to feel whatever you feel today. You don’t have to force yourself to be overly friendly to others, especially if they try to provoke you. You’re totally allowed to feel stressed and anxious today. Don’t push it down, but don’t let it take over either — just be conscious of your feelings.

And finally, I want to say that silence is golden. The universe speaks to us through silence. We complain, we beg, we pray — but we never really seem to listen. How can you cry out to the universe without giving space for the answers? Now this may sound a little extreme, but bare with me — every time a person speaks, they believe that what they have to say is more important than what the universe has to say. I also believe that people use speaking as a way of avoiding their own thoughts and feelings. I think we could all be quieter today. Then again… I just went on a huge rant… but I do believe what I have to say today is important. And maybe that’s arrogant. But I can promise you at least my intentions are positive. I would much rather a person read this rant than read the celebrity gossip column.

Anyway — be calm and be safe.