I was cruising the internet for a bit of inspiration and came upon a fabulous new word. It was in an article called “Broken Britain” all about how since COVID, Britain and its government departments and infrastructure and all the good stuff people expect to be there in their lives because they pay tax, had fallen into a shambles.

Now this is someone’s opinion and I wasn’t that interested as to how accurate this opinion was by examining statistics and data on this post-COVID chaos. But the word was exciting – a Permacrisis. Which can be described as a relentless series of catastrophes, seamlessly blending into each other, resulting in chaos to normal routines and expectations. From not being able to get a passport timeously, waiting forever for a medical referral, flights cancelled last minute, to the cost-of-living crisis - a Permacrisis seems to be a worldwide trend, fuelling anxiety and crisis exhaustion for ordinary people.

The same article talked about various tools people could use to detach from the hysteria and regain some internal control. And yes, meditation was up there with all these fabulous tools and suggestions helping people find calm in the chaos. A regular meditative practice will reduce anxiety, lighten the heart from depression, enhance stillness of the mind, deepen awareness of self and others, improve concentration, and imbue a deeper sense of peace and calm to support you during periods of overwhelm and stress.

Other tools you can use to manage uncertainty would be to focus on gratitude. Being grateful for the life you have, often a much nicer life than the global events playing out around you, is certainly a powerful reminder that life is not so bad. As you look for the good, you realise that throughout history, life does return to normal after catastrophes. Avoid the doomsday dwellers, just turn off the news. It’s either childishly patronising or so fixated on the negative, mainstream media could dishearten even the most positive of people. Someone will fill you in on what’s going on. Breathe. This will ground you in the present and break the fear cycle. Prioritise self-care by taking time out for yourself each day to stop, relax and reflect. Do something you love, or anything that helps shift your energy and mood.

And finally, ask for help. For thousands of years, we have been social creatures, hunter gatherer societies or under agriculture, living in small villages and communities, connected to one another for safety, food, love and support. The toll of COVID isolation has really strained many families and these communal ties were severed. So, reach out to friends, family, support groups or a therapist.

As Buddha stated: “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

Margot Wagner
Yoga Under the Bodhi Tree

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