Find Harmony Amidst the Chaos, Try This at Home

We are pulled in so many directions, these days – both from within and without. Some things give us joy and energy; others sap us. How do we – how do you – find balance in this chaotic (and compelling) world? A world that BADLY needs YOU.

First of all, despite the daily dose of harrowing distraction – I mean, the bloody National Guard just descended upon my beloved city – do the things you love.

Curly Taylor & Zydeco Trouble.

I love to dance. Part of me is still back on the dance floor at Buffalo Gap, two-steppin’ to Curley Taylor's pulsing accordion and the jenky-jenk rubboard beat. Whirling like a dervish – 20 hours of dancing over three and a half festival days days – the music, two weeks later, still plays inside me. That's good news because it's impossible to get too down while singing the cajun-zydeco blues.

Second of all, find a way to take part.

Back in July, I marched the halls of Congress, amidst a battalion of 170 fellow Returned Volunteers, lobbying for a continued Peace Corps, as the tide in this country has turned to isolationism and war. Twelve hours on my feet: if we convinced no one else, we sure convinced me: peace is worth fighting for.

Peace Corps Advocacy Day at the Capitol.

I still don't exactly know my role at this time of turmoil; but I've been joining rallies, most recently on a a searing John Lewis Day in Washington. Making good trouble, chanting with the masses as we tromped through the downtown streets – This is what democracy looks like! – gave me hope. Past the diabolical White House and onto the African American Museum, we stood in candlelight vigil as dusk 100 little lights shining in the darkness.

I appreciate all these active, out in the world sides of me. They yearn for action and connection, joy and community and, yes,revolution.  Though there’s another side of me that yearns for silence.

That's the third and most important thing: find a way to come back to your Self.

Above: Active Child's Pose. Below: Legs up Sofa.

This morning, back on Chincoteague Island, I found my place down on the yoga mat. Maritime breeze wafting through the screen door, I felt it: a caress from the inside, a smile spreading across my face. I was gradually coming into my self, again.

Of course, the mind raced around for the first 28 minutes of a 30-minute routine. But at least I noticed – caught myself mid-worry, mid-to-do-list, mid-scripting of some email or this very blog post. And, gently, I turned my attention back to my breath, to the laughing gulls and billowing curtains.

Spine long, forehead pressed to the floor, in Child’s Pose, I thanked my body for all she does for me. Dancing. Protesting. Lobbying. Vinyasa Flowing. And, finally, ahh, this: resting.

Try This at Home, friends...

• In the morning, get grounded with Active Child’s Pose: Start in Hero’s pose – shins down and knees together, toes tucked of flexed, fold forward, arms stretched overhead on the mat. Fingers spread, elbows straight, neck relaxed, breath into the low back, moving oxygen to sleepy places. Take 4 or 5 long loving breaths and set an intention for your day.

• In the evening, calm the nervous system with Legs Up the Wall (or Sofa): Position your hip against the wall (or sofa) and swing your legs up, letting them rest above you. Relax you chin toward your chest and allow you spine and skull to sink into the earth. Let the breath flow easy in this pose for five minutes, clearing the mind of the day’s clutter. When you’re ready, dismount by swinging the legs back down and slowing rising up to stand (or crawling straight into bed).