Dealing with Uncertainty, Anxiety, and Anger | Special Post-Election Edition | Lama Rod Owens

Self-Care

In times of stress and uncertainty, self-care becomes crucial for maintaining well-being. Lama Rod Owens emphasizes the importance of foundational self-care techniques that provide long-term benefits rather than short-term pleasures. He suggests practices like rest and reducing media consumption to help regulate overwhelming emotions 1. Owens explains, "Self-care as self-preservation is really about asking ourselves and discerning if we actually need to take a break" 2. This approach ensures sustainability in the face of ongoing challenges.

   

Mindfulness

Adapting mindfulness practices to individual needs can enhance their effectiveness. Lama Rod Owens advocates for flexibility in meditation, allowing for shifts in practice to maintain openness and ease 3. He advises against forcing practices that don't provide the desired spaciousness, suggesting alternatives like Earth grounding meditation 4. Owens notes, "A meditation practice isn't something we're trying to conquer; it's just something that we're trying to allow to open up into." This adaptability helps practitioners navigate discomfort and anxiety more effectively.

   

Compassion

Cultivating compassion involves understanding and addressing the emotions beneath anger. Lama Rod Owens discusses the importance of empathy, even towards those with differing views, as a means to reduce violence and harm 5. He suggests starting with those we love and gradually extending compassion to others, emphasizing that "no one deserves the suffering that we get." Owens believes that fostering contentment and connection can lead to authentic happiness, reducing fear and violence in society.