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We can be heroes
This is a difficult time—and just as our ancestors have experienced famine, war and disease, and other traumas, this is our ordeal that we are experiencing together.
I don't talk much about coronavirus. There's so much chat and speculation—what I know is that people and families are struggling, to say the least.
Just as in every classic hero's journey, in mythology, and films and stories, this is our ordeal. Our road of trials.
And, just like in our film and movies and stories, our lives also take an arc, they have chapters, and themes that run through our life.
These themes, ordeals and challenges—they can be hard. This is part of the human experience. It comes with being a human.
But it is these ordeals and challenges that expand us into a better version of ourselves, that help us evolve into a better species—it changes our biology…
This is a difficult time—and just as our ancestors have experienced famine, war and disease, and other traumas, this is our ordeal, that we are experiencing together.
I don't talk much about coronavirus. There's so much chat and speculation—what I know is that people and families are struggling, to say the least.
The hero’s journey
Just as in every classic hero's journey, in mythology, and films and stories, this is our ordeal. Our road of trials.
And, just like in our films, movies and stories, our lives also take an arc. They have chapters and themes that run through our life.
These themes, ordeals and challenges—they can be hard. This is part of the human experience. It comes with being a human.
It is these ordeals and challenges that expand us into a better version of ourselves, that help us evolve into a better species—it changes our biology.
However, these challenges can also be traumatic. They can bring on anxiety or other mental illnesses. Sometimes our challenges in life can be overwhelming, and inhibit us from moving forward.
At times like these we may benefit from leaning on others.
Around 65% of people who are experiencing mental illness do not reach out for help. And the longer we leave it, the harder it can be to move back into health and wellness.
Fortunately, today the topic of mental health is starting to become as ‘normal’ as physical health.
Resistance and your authentic state
Ok. Now, let's talk about Resistance.
Resistance is a force that tends to oppose things, we often resist our own growth and change, because then we are moving toward the unknown, like character entering darkness, metaphorically or literally.
Fear has served us for centuries, but life has changed. And our brains are a little slow in adapting to our environment.
But what we know is when it comes to doing the right thing, we need to feel the fear and do it anyway. To walk into the unknown.
We may need to have the courage to know that we may have to leave old ways, habits, and sometimes people behind for our greater good. We might have to say goodbye to a part of us we love or enjoy, but isn't good for us.
The reality is, the reason why we love these hero stories, is that they resonant with us
Hero stories touch a part of us from deep within our psyche.
And I believe the truth is: We all are supposed to be our own superhero.
How? Well just as the protagonist in a film, you have more tools, knowledge and support around you than you realise.
The first step is to accept the challenge, to start the journey.
The helpful key to start the journey is to listen to your inner voice, your conscience, and observe yourself.
What is the recurring problem or resistance that you face?
Is it a need for strength, restraint, to reach out, to be more loving or kind, to find simplicity or purpose? To be more disciplined?
Is it to honour your commitments? To honour yourself? Your partner? Your body's yearning for better health?
Don’t worry. The idea is to lean into your greatest self, take small steps.
Challenges are hard. This is why sometimes we resist them. And why sometimes it is a good ideas to reach out for a little support to get through that chapter.
The superhero, YOU, always have help available. This can be through a tool, a person, or knowledge. Support is here for you.
My current challenge is to step up, and show you, and the world, my face, my thoughts, my work, my skills. And that pushes my boundaries. But I'm prepared to do it, because the end goal, or my mission, to help people and businesses to thrive, is important.
So, it’s about priorities right? It's about stopping putting things off. Stop making excuses. And to just do it.
Let’s learn from those who have lived… and regretted not living
In an article by The Guardian in 2012 an Australian nurse who worked in palliative care `questioned the elderly about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, she said that "common themes surfaced again and again."
Number one was “I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me”.
Who can relate to that? Are you listening to your true calling? Are you listening to your inner voice?
The second most common regret was, “I wish I hadn't worked so hard.” That's about priorities and mindset right? How are your priorities? Money making Mindset? Are you working harder or smarter?
The third most common regret was, “I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.”
This is a little sad. Our culture doesn't seem to value expression of feeling -- many of us aren't taught (through role modelling or otherwise) how to express, or talk about or even feel our feelings.
The work I do at Authentic State helps people to express their feelings. And to heal their emotions. And I help people find the courage to live a life true to themselves.
What is your current challenge?
Now, my question for you is: What is your current personal theme OR challenge in your life?
What is the knowing or feeling inside you telling you that you are resisting?
How can you honour your inner knowing, and step up to a greater version of yourself?
Could you use a little help moving forward?
Remember, I'm here to support people like you to cross through challenging times. I have a bag of healing and coaching tools I can share with you.
Reference: The Guardian. 2012. Top Five Regrets Of The Dying. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying> [Accessed 25 October 2020].
Images: Hassan OUAJBIR and Brett Jordan
Blokes mental health. Something must change.
Something must change. The statistics on blokes mental health are alarming.
Mental health, abuse and suicide rates are extreme. Addictions and dependencies are more common than ever.
In the 21st century we are looking for new ways to help cope with modern day pressures, expectations and temptations.
The thing is, guys often don’t want to talk to a therapist, psychologist, mate or partner. They just prefer to be fixed, like rebooting a PC or changing a spark plug. Simple. No fuss.
Never before in history have we faced such a barrage of information, expectations, pitfalls and stresses. Our minds were not built for this experience, and for most of us, our parents and teachers didn’t equip us to mentally and emotionally manage this 21st century world.
Something Must Change. The Statistics on Mental Health Are Real.
Mental health, abuse and suicide rates are far too high. Addictions and dependencies are more common than ever.
Men average six out of every eight suicides every day in Australia.
The suicide rate among young tradesmen is three times higher than for other men.
On average, one in eight men will experience depression at some stage of their lives.
On average, one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.
Addictions and dependencies are more common than ever.
Some even say we are experiencing an unhappiness epidemic.
In the 21st century we are looking for new ways to help cope with modern day pressures, expectations and temptations.
We are realising that traditional solutions and support structures, on their own, just aren’t cutting it anymore. We are looking for new ways to help cope with modern day pressures.
The thing is, guys often don’t want to talk to a therapist, psychologist, mate or partner. They just prefer to be fixed, like rebooting a PC or changing a spark plug. Simple. No fuss.
The great thing about how Authentic State approaches healing and therapy is that this is not a big ‘talk therapy’.
Sure, talking has its place, but I use evidence-based healing, psychological know-how and transformational coaching to connect blokes and women with their greatest and most authentic state.
With a combination of traditional therapy and complementary treatment/natural therapy, I help people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, addicted, stuck or experiencing other limitations, to find their way to feeling connected and whole again.
Read more about how I help blokes move forward in mental health.
Eco-anxiety; how to manage climate stress
Depression, obsessive thinking, panic attacks, irritability, breathlessness—is how environmental challenges are affecting some of us.
‘Eco-anxiety’ (or 'ecological grief') can be described as feeling distressed about the state of the planet, and its future.
The World Health Organisation regards climate change as “the greatest threat to global health in the 21st Century” . Whilst the Australian Medical Association declared climate change a health emergency, as do a growing list of medical bodies around the world (3). The impact of climate change on our mental health is very real.
Earlier this year, I was feeling sad. My usual joys weren’t lifting my spirits. I didn't understand why, until it dawned on me.
I had been too deeply plugged into digital news and rotating images of natural disasters melting ice caps pollution plastics extinctions sufferings cruelty greed unethical politics poor leadership… I couldn't see the world around me was taking it seriously.
It wasn't until environmental activist, Greta Thunburg, shared my view waking the masses with her actions and messages about our climate emergency; "I don’t want you to be hopeful, I want you to panic"(1).
That was it. With Thunberg's and other worldwide student protests, the cry for urgent change finally hit mainstream culture (PRAISE the young!).
Be alarmed. Not Afraid.
We are right to feel alarmed. We (you, me, our leaders and policy makers) need to be aware, think and act on climate change. We also need to think about how we ‘place’ these thoughts or issues in our minds and lives, according to how much power we have.
Depression, obsessive thinking, panic attacks, irritability, breathlessness—is how environmental challenges are affecting some of us.
‘Eco-anxiety’ (or 'ecological grief') can be described as feeling distressed about the state of the planet, and its future.**
The World Health Organisation regards climate change as “the greatest threat to global health in the 21st Century” (2). Whilst the Australian Medical Association declared climate change a health emergency, as do a growing list of medical bodies around the world (3). The impact of climate change on our mental health is very real.
What to do with eco-anxiety?
Situations that need radical change, require strong leadership; paired with openness and commitment to new ideas and trying new things.
In terms of eco-anxiety, this includes how you lead yourself. By this, I mean your self-care. Your. Self. Care.
This is caring enough about yourself to get enough rest, to eat and drink well, and to move your body. This decreases your anxiety. It helps you to respond better to the world you live according to your values and ethics. You have greater energy and clarity to align with your best and most authentic state.
Take a digital detox. Your Facebook or Insta account won't miss you for a week or two, and your mental health will perk up. Clear your mind. Refill it with positive things and gratitude for the actions for the things that have been done to help (like these six stories about climate change). Talk to like-minded people about the positive things we can do. Be kind to yourself. Know that change takes time. No one is perfect.
Eco-therapists encourage people to take action on environmental issues.
Start with one thing. Small actions help. Perhaps create a new positive habit, like turning off lights (yes mum), or refusing single use single-use plastics like plastic straws and cutlery.
The Climate Council Climate Action Toolkit offers information on how you can help climate change.
The United Nations say a plant based diet can help climate change (4), so perhaps explore eating less meat.
Climate change also needs strong leadership in our Governments, families, workplaces, businesses, schools, social and recreation spheres (congrats to artists like Billie Eilish and Coldplay who are leading change in the entertainment business).
Mums and dads need to be informed. It’s no longer enough to say “it will be OK”. Kids need to hear and see authentic commitment to sustainability in their families.
Children and young adults can join The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) or School Strike 4 Climate on Facebook.
So what can you do about eco-anxiety? Take action. But be gentle with yourself. Do what works for you. Be it big or small. Take control back into your hands.
And what did I do? In August 2019 I created Authentic State—A Greater You. A Greater World™. I made a commitment to sharing tools and information to help others lean into the best versions of themselves and claim their power; to create a greater you, and a greater world.
If this article has raised any issues for you, get in touch with Authentic State, or call Lifeline crisis support 24/7 on 13 11 14.
**Symptoms of eco-anxiety can overlap with symptoms of other types of anxiety; however at the time of this article publication there is no specific diagnosis for eco-anxiety included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
References:
1. Thunberg, Greta (25 January 2019). "I want you to panic: 16-year-old issues climate warning at Davos". Guardian News. Event occurs at 2:23. Archived from the original on 17 September 2019. Accessed 20 November 2019, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjsLm5PCdVQ&t=2m23s>
2. Good Therapy, 2018. accessed 29 November 2019, <https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/eco-anxiety>
3. Australian Medical Association, 2019, accessed 29 November 2019, <https://ama.com.au/media/climate-change-health-emergency>
4. BBC News, 2019, accessed 29 November 2019, <https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49238749>
Image Credits: NASA , Christian Erfurt, Markus Spiske, Meghan Rodgers