How to Find Ease, Even Now

Unclench. Release. In this moment, you are safe.

The other day, I came home after a long, cold day and realized that nearly all my muscles around my neck, shoulders, jaw, and even my arms hurt. ❄️ They had been bracing all day. Braced against the cold. Braced against the news. Braced against any perceived threats that might have come my way.

The body’s ability to brace against danger is a wise response in times of actual danger. However, when it comes to prolonged, unceasing and ongoing anxiety and potential harm, bracing is bad news. It leads to pain, injury, stress, illness and suffering. 🤕

🧘🏻‍♀️ Right in this moment, can you unclench your jaw? Can you release any tightening in the shoulders? Can you soften any muscles that are contracted? Even if dangers are out there, can you locate some source of stability and support in this moment? Maybe the solid ground underneath you? Maybe the thought of somebody who loves you?

My friend and co-teacher at NYU, Imam Khalid Latif, frequently asks our students, “Who benefits from you being burned out? Feeling afraid? Hating yourself?” The sad truth is, many people benefit - primarily people who want to sell us stuff or take advantage of us. But we never benefit. We live in the suffering, in the bracing, in the state of hyper-vigilance for way too many days of our one precious life.
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🙏🏼 My prayer is for you to feel safe, cozy, warm, and okay enough in THIS moment to unclench and experience ease, rest, and deep joy. You deserve it.

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