Uncertainty
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, Attunement!
Each month we “tune into” a theme related to mindfulness and
explore a creative practice and tune based on this theme!
This month of March we’re TUNING INTO the frequency of:
UNCERTAINTY.
Do you get a stomach-turning, doomsday feeling when you read the news as of late? You're not alone! It seems like every day there's a new iteration of disturbing information that leaves us feeling uncertain about the future of our democracy.
I was recently listening to my favorite podcast, Glennon Doyle's "We Can Do Hard Things", and Jessica Yellin (award-winning political journalist and founder of the independent news platform "News Not Noise") was invited on to discuss the topic of "Calm News".
Yellin mindfully discussed current events and shared strategies to manage anxiety related to news consumption, such as ways to calm one's nervous system before consuming news, adopting a witnessing mindset, and responding proportionately to current events. Her goal is to help listeners navigate the often overwhelming news cycle with composure and clarity.
When we employ mindfulness (curious, non-reactive present-moment awareness) to our news intake process, it can help us think rationally, re-align with our values, and vet clear, intentional responses to the information we're consuming.
Sri Liv Myhrom, a writer and editor at Mindful Magazine, affirms this:
Uncertainty often triggers a cascade of troubling thoughts and emotions: fear, doubt, anger, anxiety, stress. Mindfulness invites us to observe these thoughts and emotions with nonjudgmental acceptance, allowing them to arise and pass without clinging or aversion. If we cling to stress, we’re going to make choices based on resistance to that stress. On the other hand, if we allow that stress to just be there, without trying to “fix” it, then our curiosity or wonder can emerge, and we have a better chance of making clear-headed choices.
Clinical psychologist Thekla Brumder Ross recommends asking yourself a few questions before you open your news app or turn on TV news:
Did you just open your eyes to begin a new day?
Are you just closing your eyes to rest your body and mind?
Are you stressed in the middle of the workday and reading the news?
Is your physical body tense or uncomfortable?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, it might not be the right moment to dive into the news.
Additionally, it can be helpful to remind yourself that fear, anger, and discomfort with uncertainty are experiences many of us are having right now.
You might then say to yourself, “I am struggling, just as many others are, and this is part of being human. I am not alone.”
Finally, it can be helpful to remember that you actually DO know what to do, at least in one sense: live your values! When the external world feels unpredictable, anchoring yourself in what truly matters—kindness, integrity, creativity, or resilience—gives you a clear direction.
Acting in alignment with your values fosters a sense of efficacy, reminding you that while you can't control everything, you can always choose how you show up. This can help you navigate uncertainty with confidence, knowing that your actions are meaningful and aligned with your deeper purpose.
I'll leave you with some inspirational words from Kamala Harris, spoken upon accepting the NAACP's 2025 Chairman Award:
Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize. We mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it.
The future may be uncertain, but it's also unwritten.
In every moment, keep doing the next right thing.
Creative Mindfulness Practice: Leaning Into Uncertainty—A Collage Activity
Gather Materials – Collect magazines, scissors, glue, and a piece of card stock. If you'd like your collage to be SoulCollage® size, make it 5x8".
Intuitive Image Selection – Without overthinking, flip through a magazine and randomly tear out 5-7 images that catch your attention. Do this quickly, without analyzing.
Arrange Intuitively – Without planning, start placing your cutouts on the paper. Move them around freely, noticing any emotions or insights that arise.
Reflect – Once your collage feels complete, take a few deep breaths and observe. What themes emerge? You might want to complete the phrase "I Am One Who..." to step into the voice of your card and connect with its identity/meaning.
Journal Prompt – Write about what this practice revealed. How does this process mirror your relationship with uncertainty? How can you embrace the unknown with more openness in your daily life?
This activity can help cultivate trust in the unfolding process of life, reminding you that beauty and meaning can arise even when you don't have a set plan.
My March Events:
"Spring Into Wellness" Health Fair, March 8 @ Tremont Library, UA
I'll be representing The Be Sanctuary and will be hosting a complimentary SoulCollage® card-making experience at the table. Stop by and enter the drawing to win a $25 workshop credit!
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 6, 8, & 9 @ Gallery Players
This is a fun, colorful production of Andrew Llyod Webber's classic musical. I'm in the adult ensemble, and my 11-yo daughter is in the youth ensemble. Tickets selling fast!!
Parsons Ave Winter Art Hop Live Music, 3/15, 2:30-4:30 @ Community Grounds
Peruse the diverse works of a variety of local artists in galleries, businesses hosting work, and outdoor murals. Pieces will be offered for sale at a wide array of price points. Maps available and shuttle service begins at Community Grounds Coffee Shop & will have on again/off again service for the duration of the event. I'll be providing live music at Community Grounds for the afternoon!
Guided Group Forest Bathing, Sat. 3/29, 9:30-11am @ Smith Nature Park, UA
Guided Forest Bathing is also called Shinrin-yoku (translated as “bathing in the air of the forest”) and is an evidence-based Japanese practice which guides you to mindfully immerse yourself in nature. The practice focuses on cultivating a sense of reciprocity between you and the forest. The guide facilitates a sequence of invitations that allows you to enjoy both structure and spontaneity in your experience. The practice ends with a sharing circle and tea ceremony. Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) has been shown to reduce stress, boost immunity, enhance mood, improve focus, lower blood pressure, and support nervous system regulation, fostering well-being and resilience.
This Month’s Tune 🎵:
Each month I share a tune that resonates with the newsletter theme.
For this month’s theme of UNCERTAINTY, I've chosen the song "Uncertainty (I Will Face)" by Fearless Soul, ft. Rachael Schroeder. You can listen to it below on YouTube.
