It is all too obvious that we are living in a time of great stress: the pandemic, the brutal winter, the inequities in our country that need to be addressed, and the reality that we are still governed by some people whose ignorance and selfishness are frightening. It can be so easy in the midst of all this to feel beaten down, powerless and very afraid. These feelings have an effect on our daily lives, as well as any pressurized events such as performances, job interviews, or presentations at school or work.

As counterintuitive as it sounds, these are the times to mentally embrace the world and empower ourselves with love!

Try this daily:

Look up at the sky (even if it is cloudy), open your arms as wide as possible, and think of opening your heart as you breathe in deeply. As you exhale, hug yourself and just hold yourself for a few moments… Then repeat, alternating with the other arm on top. Repeat two or three times at least, savoring the sensation of openness, freedom and the power of perseverance through self love.