Episode 099. "And, of course, we know that futurizing is literally a recipe for anxiety. So, whenever we start wondering what we're going to do, and we're facing so many unknown variables, it's an impossible task, right? So we're setting ourselves up for constant agitation. The cure for that, of course, is to continue to come back into the present moment." ~Ellen Katz

Leaving this episode here, in the productivity-hack and to-do list-free zone. 

How are you feeling? No, really. In between Zoom happy hours and virtual house parties, how much time have you taken to check in - with yourself? If the thought of sitting with all those feels makes you hyperventilate, you’re not alone. 

That’s why Ellen Katz, MS MFT, is back, to help us get emotionally sober. How? By gently talking us through why we’re (rightly) feeling anxious and what we can do to coexist with our emotions in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.

Take this opportunity to return to the present moment. Yeah, you’ve heard the expression before and, for good reason. It’s wisdom passed down for millennia, a mantra in many forms found throughout the world’s religions and spiritual practices.

And, for some of us, it’s ridiculously tricky to access when we need it most. Like now, when the world is bombarding our brains with discrepancies. People in masks. Too many people not in masks! No traffic noise. Too much traffic noise! The constant drip-drip-drip of disparities between what is normal and what has become the new normal is enough to trigger an overproduction of cortisol and other stress hormones. 

Admitting vulnerability calms our nervous system down enough to more clearly assess our situation and access solutions to ease our stress. Humans are built to solve problems but we’re all feeling less capable right now. That’s ok! 

We are, collectively, resilient beings.

Not perfect. Not immune. Resilient. Ellen urges us to lean into that resilience by turning down the volume on our need to futurize all the problems. You only control your actions, your responses. Your inner wise person wants you to know that, in this moment, you are safe. Your feelings are valid and you can thrive alongside them in this new normal. 

Get the full show notes  at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/099.

***

Practice Yoga & Mantra with me Sundays at Noon CST.

Register at http://www.satnamyogachicago.com

Promo Code for first class free: BHAKTIDEVOTIONALHEART

Learn how to integrate podcasting as a creative way to connect with your community

Join me at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/craftandculture

OR

Let’s talk one on one. I’ve opened a limited number of complimentary consultations in my schedule.  Book a time for your virtual podcasting tea date at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/teafor20

If you're already podcasting and need a deep dive into your responsive content strategy for your show and community, book an hour "in the lab" with me at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/inthelab.

Join us twice a week for Community Zoom: Goods, Gripes & Goals

It's the Zoom you actually won't dread!

If you are feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and missing some human connection, I am currently hosting twice weekly complimentary online meetups.

They last about 40min on Tuesdays and Fridays and they are just a way for us to see and hear each other, check in, set ONE priority for the day and feel part of a collective. Get the details on Facebook by joining The Creative Impostor Group: http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/fb

Connect with me 

Email or Voice  andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com Facebook Group The Creative Impostor Facebook Page @andreaklunder.creative Instagram: @andreaklunder

Oh HEY! I’m on LinkedIn… dropping pro podcasting tips, insights, and stories. Connect with me there and let me know you’re a Creative Impostor listener.