Ten Ways to Feel Better About the World Right Now!

Over the last few weeks, we have listened to all sorts of bad news facing our world. Tumbling stocks, failed banks, lost jobs, and a world in crisis.

Many of us have never faced a serious recession and are feeling concern even fear as we contemplate what is to come over the next few years.

The concern, negativity, and worry can impact us in ways we may not even recognize, from feeling anxious and tired, to experiencing anger and frustration.

All of these emotions take their toll on our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, and, we often take out our subconscious worries and unhealthy concerns on those we love.

Most of us are not in the position to physically, significantly impact the world's banking structure, the powerful governments, or the fluctuating price of oil, however we can alter our attitudes, our emotions, and our approach to our current situation.

So, here are ten ways to help us feel better about the world, right now.

1. Turn off the TV. Stop the constant flow of the news media inundating us with concerned messages and the nastiness of the political campaigns.

2. Make a gratitude list. Start focusing on all the great things in your life. Write these down and don't stop until you have at least a hundred things. The more are minds and hearts are focused on the good the less room there is for the negativity.

3. Participate with nature. Get out and take a walk, work in the garden, visit a park, or play with a pet. Nature can be a means of reconnecting with truth, reviving ones heart and spirit.

4. Play. If you are lucky enough to have children nearby, play with them. Children are not concerned with the price of gas, which politician is desperate, or what stocks are going down. Moving into a child's work can restore hope while we remember what is important in life. If children are not nearby, find some friends and play a board game, get some play dough, or go to a park and watch young families having fun on the playground.

5. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Notice. Observe. Become aware. Pay attention to the sounds of loved ones, the colors of nature, the smells of fall. Reflect on why you smile, what touches your heart, what keeps you alive.

6. Create something. Creativity is an amazing healer; whether you enjoy art, music, poetry, woodworking, cooking, gardening, building something, etc., it doesn't matter, what matters is that you bring forth something. And, no you do not have to be artistic to create something. (smile) The point is not to make some incredible work of art but to acknowledge and embrace a part of you that yearns for expression.

7. Set some goals. Now is a great time to make some plans for your life. Write down what you truly want; create a collage to remind yourself of your passions and hopes; read some books on personal development. Whatever helps you move toward fulfilling your dreams and accomplishing your desires is great!

8. Embrace your spiritual, religious, or philosophical truths. Most of the world's faith traditions have an element of hope that can often be enormously beneficial during difficult times. Are there scriptures, poems, myths, or stories that give you a sense of hope? Today would be a good time to revisit these.

9. Pray, meditate, or embrace silence. There is no time like the present to commune with the Divine or experience Source. Whatever your belief system, quieting the mind and moving into a quiet contemplative state can bring great peace to a troubled mind or worried soul.

10. Help someone! With much of our world cutting back in donations and spending, now is a FABULOUS time to donate your time, help a neighbor, or engage in little acts of kindness.

We often fear a crisis; it can paralyze us, fill us anxiety, and keep us in a stagnant state.

However, I recall the Chinese symbol for crisis... it translates to, "dangerous opportunity."

Our current situation is a time to release the danger and embrace the opportunity; to move away from the hurt and pain and find what is healing and beautiful.

Difficult times are those times we reflect on where we are and where we want to be. We reconsider our choices, analyze our behaviors, and ponder our path. It is time of struggle as we grow and evolve.

What opportunities are ahead?

Where do we want to go?

How can we bring forth a new world?