Why Hope Matters and Five Tips for Keeping it Alive
Lately I’ve noticed that I feel a bit more anxious than normal. According to a recent story I heard on National Public Radio, I’m not alone. The story highlighted a survey by the American Psychological Association showing that a significant percentage of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, feel concerned about our country’s future. This is despite historical data showing that as a nation, despite hard times, we are resilient.
Thus, I thought it might be helpful if I share some of the tips I use to settle my own angst, based on the yoga, wellbeing, and coaching professions in which I’ve been immersed:
1. Filtering the Noise
Being an engaged citizen in my community, and doing what I can to address issues I care about globally, have always been important to me. Yet lately I’ve been challenged to balance the information I take in and my ability to stay centered and grounded. Striking the sweet spot of energetic balance — asking myself how much is ‘enough’ and how much is ‘too much’— is key to my wellbeing. As is being intentional about letting in the ‘good stories’ that often don’t make the headlines. Stories about people caring for each other amid hurricanes and wars. For me, knowing that compassionate human acts are happening across the globe is both real and comforting. This feels like a place where I can dwell in hope.
2. Looking for the Good
As I write this, I sit on my back patio noticing the sunlight filtered through tri-colored maple leaves. Stunningly beautiful blends of yellow, red, and green. I could focus on the bird poop on the chair next to me, but I’ll deal with that later. In this moment, the leaves are far more sustaining. The leaves will also only be here a few more weeks. I am always amazed at the omnipresent beauty of the world when I pause to notice it. Hope exists in the knowing that next fall, the leaves will also change, and that each season has its own beauty.
3. Shifting my Perspective
As Roger Federer said in his commencement speech to the Dartmouth College class of 2024: “Life is bigger than the court”. When I step out of my own court — my usual environments and responsibilities — my awareness begins to open, and so does hope. It’s much easier to see the bird’s eye view of a difficult situation when I’m not sitting in the middle of it. Opening awareness, to discover wonder and awe, is one reason I so value traveling to new places. When I can’t travel afar, I can still get out of my own court a bit for solitude in nature, helping someone whose life experience differs greatly from mine, or appreciating art. Each helps me shift perspective and let go of the ‘little court’ thinking in which I can get stuck. Knowing there’s more to life than I can be aware in this moment of is a hopeful perspective.
4. Surfing the Wave
Lately, I’ve been a bit obsessed with gardening. This passion began during the pandemic, and led to obtaining my Master Gardener’s certificate in 2022. Still in the learning stages of this newish hobby, I’m continually figuring out which plants do well in my yard, and which support the birds and other critters that visit frequently. ‘Surfing the wave’ of gardening has also led me to explore botanical illustration. There are challenges as a newbie in my colored pencil class, but opening the door and stepping into something new is both intriguing and enlightening. Knowing there are always interesting things to learn and engaging in them is an act of hope. Surfing the wave of high motivation can facilitate this.
5. Moving my Body
This approach has been in my wheelhouse for as long as I can remember. The surest remedy for me to dislodge anxiety or feel less overwhelmed is to run, bike, swim, or practice yoga. For me, this is a daily necessity. Releasing the tension that accumulates when I’m too busy, or fretting, is akin to discharging toxicity in every fiber of my being. It just feels good, and feeling good is always one step closer to hope.
Hope is an essential ingredient for change. If I want that change to be in the direction of better, I know what choices I need to make to keep my hope alive. Regardless of how small its impact might be, I know the ripple effect connects to hopefulness in others. I know too that when we all do what we can to elevate hope in ourselves, we can begin to envision a better tomorrow.