By Shannon Fife

There must be something in the air or maybe it’s this transition back to a world that we knew before the pandemic that has re-ignited conversations about hope or this sense of hope. Why have I urged some many to consider “hope” or have “faith”. As Dr. Judith Rich eloquently suggests in her writings, “Hope is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough to reveal the path ahead and ultimately the way out”.

Most definitions found in the dictionary would suggest that hope is more targeted unlike optimism. Hope tends to focus on one event, situation or circumstance; “I hope it is nice out tomorrow”, “I hope I will pass the test” or my favourite, “I hope I win the lottery” (and yes, I have been down that rabbit hole like many others. No judgement here!). Many have noted that “It’s an inherent part of being a human being”. I can get on board with that. I do believe that Hope challenges us to believe there is something to look forward to, a “way out” of a situation or maybe even better days ahead. If our minds can accept this notion then there is a brighter future for us. I believe that the true work is changing the narrative in our head and allowing our minds to consider other possibilities.  

Yes, I already hear the question: How do we do that? Now that is where we must make a conscious choice to challenge the assumptions, opinions, dialogue and/or perceptions that are floating through our mind. Are any of these valid to the current situation? I believe that everyone must take on their own personal responsibility for the role that they may have played but that does not mean take on someone else’s differing decisions or actions. Challenge yourself to remain true to the person that you want to be or maybe already are. Consider that the people we meet and the events that occur are opportunities to challenge us to be better, stronger and truer to our own beliefs and values.

So when we get frustrated, angry, embarrassed or even sad, create a mantra that reminds you of your own value such as, “I am worthy” or “I am valued”, then repeat it as many times that you need to reset the brain. Negative self talk suggests that you are not worthy of the illusive “hope”. Positive statements and thoughts strengthens the brain by creating new pathways that become that “match” or maybe even bigger like a torch to guide us out of the dark tunnel to brighter days ahead much like Dr. Judy suggests.

Quick mantras may also become a great Segway to Mindfulness meditation where we begin to incorporate breathing exercises, guided imagery along with stress reduction practices to soothe the mind, body and spirit. The ultimate goal is to become fully aware of our own senses and feelings in the moment. This does not need to get complicated. The internet offers may great guided meditation but if you are not quite ready to dive in consider following these few simple steps to get started.

1.      Find a quiet space and settle in. That could be on a pillow, chair or mat.

2.      Close your eyes, take a deep cleansing breath and release that fully. Now just notice your breath without controlling it.

3.      With each exhale, allow your shoulders to drop away from your ears, your body to sink into that pillow, chair or mat. Allow your tongue to fall away from the roof of your mouth. Soften the skin between your eyebrows. Find your sense of relaxation.

4.      Allow your thoughts to float by like the clouds. Believe that they will be there when you need them or let them go if they no longer serve you.

5.      Draw your attention to your breath. Take deeper inhales to fill the belly. After four or five inhales and exhales, concentrate on filling the belly along with the side body or ribs. After four or five rotations of inhales and exhales, fill the belly, the side body and now the lungs.

6.      Follow this pattern for as long as you need. Listen to your body without judgement. A daily practice will help to build your capacity to lengthen your time spent.

The purpose of this practice is to allow some time and space to consider the things that we are grateful for and even hopeful for.  Ultimately, it may help you find your flame that lights a path towards hope. For more resources or inspirations, please check out the Sage Wellness Connection website. There are all kinds of links, blogs, webinars and podcasts that may ignite your curiosity.

Resources:

Retrieved from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intransitive

Retrieved from: https://hopegrows.net/news/why-is-hope-so-important

Retrieved from: https://news.harvard.edu › gazette › story › 2018/04 

Retrieved from: https://www.livehappy.com › practice › 6-steps-mindfulness