Everyone, remain calm and breathe.

Right now, unbelievable things are happening in our country. We feel fear and anxiety, and we feel like we are not in control. We wonder how we got here. We know we need to do something. And people are waking up and rising up. Hallelujah. It is time.

But it’s also important, during this time, to step back, be present, and listen to our guidance. Some people are annoyed, even outraged, by this idea. They think it’s weak and a cop-out, failing to make an impact or create effective change. But it isn’t an either/or choice.

Here’s what you need to know: everything in nature is about BALANCE, including us. During times like these, your ego will grab you and pull you into fear. Fear creates an imbalance that disrupts our connection to Source.

If anything, times like these require more time spent balancing your internal system so that when you act, it comes from a place of calm strength and focused intention.

Just because you are meditating, praying, or visualizing peace does not mean you aren’t doing enough. It means you are doing something more powerful than fear. You are connecting to Source, to the power of Unconditional Love. This unseen power is always more effective than fear or hate. Rewatch the movie Gandhi, in which he overcame the powerful British Imperialists with Love and Peace alone. Or remember the powerful speeches of Martin Luther King. Witness in our present day the Buddhist Monks on their Peace March across the US.

Give yourself permission to take care of yourself during these unprecedented times. BREATHE.

As things accelerate globally, it becomes increasingly important to stay centered. I definitely recommend limiting the time spent watching or reading the news. Set a time limit that helps you stay informed without losing your way and falling into an abyss of hopelessness.

Create a personal plan to stay balanced and connected to your Spirit. You may need to rest more, drink more water, take walks in nature, meditate several times a day, or watch and listen to more inspirational content (even silly cat videos are OK).

It’s important to ask yourself: What inspires me? What connects me directly to my True Nature? I keep a one-minute-and-18-second video on my desktop that is the most inspiring thing I have to instantly reconnect with my Joy. It is a video of my two grandsons' first conversation. The two-year-old is holding and talking to his 2-month-old baby brother with curiosity and gentleness. The 2-month-old looks back with pure love and admiration, trying, in his own way, to coo a response. The pure innocence and delight in both their eyes as they stare in awe and wonder are enough to carry me through the day, restoring my faith in the pure innocence we all start with. The essence of our True Nature is pure Joy and Wonder.

This allows me to function at my highest level throughout the day. Inspiration and faith in humanity lift you to a place where you can respond creatively, intentionally, effectively, and calmly. From this powerful place, you can go forth in whatever form calls you to resist injustice and suffering and to begin creating the change you envision.