Why You’re So Tired (It’s Not what You Think) And A Surprising Solution
Spirituality Column
By Claire Sierra, MA LFT
It’s not a leap to say we’re going through a time of big change. There’s an unraveling, as we collectively and personally try to put ourselves back together after over 2 years of an international pandemic with economic, social and political upheaval unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better.
People are still getting COVID. Along with work/financial challenges and political strife still brewing. We’re seeing governments and other seemingly solid institutions start to wobble. And now Summer heat and wildfires here in Oregon, see like one more thing on top of a big pile already. It’s deeply disturbing to our stability-loving nervous systems.
What I notice in my practice as a therapist, coach and spa priestess is that folks are weary and uncertain. We don’t think we should be tired, but we are. It’s exhausting to be hopeful and upbeat in the face of so much change, and yet we also know that remaining positive is a key for mental health. But it’s draining. And there are plenty of good reasons why.
The social discord in this country is wearing. It’s a slow dull ache. Even when not actively present, it’s in our mental field, on pause. Whether it’s political signs we disagree with, disappointments in leadership and legal decisions, or underlying racial disharmony…
Meanwhile, the environment is heating up and we can’t seem to enact enough political will to do anything. We may be wasting our best moments doing nothing. We care, but can only deal with so much. Or we’re too tired to know what to do.
It’s exhausting. Like a slow leak it drains us of life force, which was already tapped out by COVID. That feeling is empathy fatigue.
Many spiritual teachers said that we entered a new era in 2012, a time of massive shifts. (Remember that?) Look anywhere personally or globally and it seems accurate.
To create a beautiful world that works for everyone, we’ll have to fix the massive ecological issues that are arising (whether you think they are human caused or not!) And though we might disagree on how to get there, many desire a change to a new paradigm or golden era. We’ll have to work together. We’ll have to get along better than we have lately—beyond political (or other) differences.
Maybe this is why it’s happening, so that humans can finally learn to get along. To create a brighter, aligned vision that works for everyone. (And no, I don’t mean One Size Fits All—we’re past that, obviously.) To do this, we need to be open and well-resourced, not burned out, close-minded and tight. (It’s harder to stretch to someone when we’re not at our best, right?)
The solution to this is simple, but not fast or easy. It’s soul replenishment. Admit to your tiredness. Find ways to refill and rejuvenate yourself. Fill your own chalice and lean into your connection to Spirit. It’s an amazing resource, virtually untapped in most people’s lives!
Find Practices To Support Your Authentic Self
Many of us are deeply dehydrated spiritually. Our connection with Spirit is frayed. Religion has become so fractured and conflicted that many have fled the traditions of our youth. Turn and find your own spiritual connection.
Experiment with personal practices for soul care. If you don’t have any, start. Explore ways that help you connect with Divine: he/she is available when you ask. There's no wrong way--except doing nothing. Discover which spiritual practices keep you centered and in alignment.
Maybe it’s rest you need. Or personal reflection. Maybe it’s time for inspired action or outreach. Start small. See what happens. Who knows what will emerge, but it can only feel better than the place many of us have been inhabiting lately.
Gather in community to feed and nourish each other. Many of us have a longing to gather with like-minded folks. (This doesn’t have to be church or even traditional groups.)
Many women (and men, too) find inspiration, sustenance and empowerment from the path of the Divine Feminine and wisdom of Mary Magdalene ( the lost goddess hiding in plain sight in the Christian tradition.) Others seek solace in nature as “church”, 12 Step groups,
With the advent of the internet we have access to more spiritual sustenance than every before. Attend online spiritual services or meditations of any faith, through Zoom or YouTube. Regardless of who or what you turn to, the key is to create the time and space to allow deeper soul renewal to happen.
Remember that replenishing yourself is empowering but not a selfish act; your gifts will naturally pour out into the community and world at large. From a well resourced place, you can start to live in alignment with the Truth and Beauty you've come here to express. Unveil the hidden messages the Divine has for you.
How do you re-connect with Source? Where do you find soul replenishment?
Claire Sierra
Claire Sierra, MA, LFT, author/founder of The Magdalene Path, is an Expressive Arts Therapist, Spa Priestess, and Reiki Master on the path of awakening Feminine Soul since 1989. She shares intuitive, creative, spiritual practices through the lost wisdom of Mary Magdalene. Claire sees clients on-line and at Spa Sanctuary at the Balch Hotel, an elegant, award-winning inn in Dufur, Oregon, where she lives with her hotelier husband.
Learn more and access free resources for Feminine Soul at MagdalenePath.com Contact Claire@MagdalenePath.com
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