why?

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

If you can, create a relaxing environment for yourself. Light a candle, shift position, stretch, get in some pajamas, set yourself up to relax.

Feel your energy pool with each exhale. Let it graze the surface of your skin. Let it accumulate.

Feel the ground beneath you. Where are you? Are you sitting with your legs crossed on a grassy hill? Are you stretched out in an armchair? Are you lying in bed? Are you on a train or in a car?

Wherever you are, beneath the floor is soil. There are roots clinging to the earth, there are plants finding peace and solace beneath the ground. Picture a plant you love sprouting in the very place you sit. Is it a flower? An herb? A tree?

Take another deep breath, keep going, feel the air in your lungs.

You are surrounded by the atmosphere. A whole bunch of gases are protecting you from anything spooky that might be out in space. You are safe here. You are safe.

Remember that wherever you are, you are on the Earth. You are a part of the world. Life thrives above, beneath, and all around you. You are alive.

You are here, wherever you are. You are not in any imminent danger. Maybe you’re not okay right now, maybe you don’t feel relaxed and safe, but you are alive. Despite everything, you exist, you are here with everybody else.

Everything will be okay.

Take a few more deep breaths.

Keep going until you feel a bit better. Go get a glass of cold water, if you can. Try to grab a snack if you’re hungry. Take a shower, even. Whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.