Staying Grounded in a Shifting World
What do you do when life feels overwhelming, when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory, or when your usual sources of comfort are no longer available?
I’ll be honest—this past month has tested me in ways I didn’t expect.
My partner, Kristjan and I are nearly four months in to our six-month adventure living abroad. We love Thailand, and deeply appreciate so much about Thai culture, especially the people and their emphasis on kindness and respect. While I feel grateful for this opportunity, this month has been anything but smooth. We’ve been knocked off our feet by a severe respiratory virus — Kris came dangerously close to being hospitalized, and I was bed-bound for a few days.
My mantra has been, “another opportunity to practice serenity.”
After exploring several different regions of Thailand with an eye for where we’d like to stay longer term, we decided to rent a little apartment for a couple of months in mellow seaside town called Hua Hin. We’ve been immersed in managing the details of finding an available property, moving, and getting settled in. We no sooner got situated in our new place when we learned we had some unexpected Immigration issues to address, so we are currently taking the required steps to bring our visas into compliance (in just a few hours, we’ll be embarking on a 13-hour round trip to and from the Myanmar border to get our passports stamped with the proper documentation).
While these challenges pale in comparison to what many are enduring, we’ve encountered some rough patches that threw us off balance, and we’re only just starting to regain our footing.
Meanwhile, I’m acutely aware of the immense global challenges we’re facing—natural disasters, economic disruption, societal upheavals, and a collective sense of uncertainty. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in California, and other crises worldwide. It’s clear that we’re living through a time of radical transformation, and it’s unsettling on many levels.
In light of these challenges, I’ve been grounding myself with mindful practices to find an inner place of refuge—finding calm amidst the chaos—and I want to share some of these valuable resources with you in case they resonate.
Mindful Resources That Help Me Navigate Difficult Times
Tara Brach Podcast
Tara Brach blends Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology, offering profound insights on how to meet life’s challenges with mindfulness and compassion. Her relatable stories and soothing voice are like a balm for the soul.
Being Well Podcast with Dr. Rick Hanson
Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist and best-selling author who focuses on cultivating resilience, inner peace, and joy. His podcast, cohosted with his son Forrest, explores practical ways to rewire your brain for greater well-being, even in the face of stress and uncertainty.
Letters from Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic, has been sharing deeply personal and inspiring letters every Sunday that reflect on life, love, and navigating change. I look forward to reading her uplifting words and journal prompts about what really matters in life.
Soulful Connection and Support
While I’ve found great value in these resources, nothing compares to coming together in community. I love hosting my Next Level Mastermind group for alumni clients, and every session reminds me of the magic that happens when like-minded people gather for soulful conversation, intention-setting, and accountability. These twice-monthly meetings have become a grounding force, not just for me but for everyone involved. Feel free to message me if you’re interested in joining this ongoing group.
If you’re in the greater Seattle area, I highly recommend checking out the Lightworker Events hosted by my friend Ines Kopperschlaeger, founder of the Campaign For Light. These gatherings are created for and by those who identify as “Lightworkers”—individuals who feel called to support others and our planet. It’s a beautiful way to connect with like-minded souls and explore meaningful ways to make a positive impact. You can learn more at https://www.campaignforlight.com.
Let’s Connect
If you’re feeling untethered or could use some extra support right now, I’d love to offer a space for connection and clarity. Whether it’s through a "tune-up" session to reset your focus or joining one of my programs, I’m here to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing. To schedule a session with me or learn more about my offerings, you can do so online here.
As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you have resources, practices, or perspectives that have been helping you during these turbulent times, pleaes and share them—I’m always open to inspiration.