Why It Feels Like You're "Swirling"
It seems like every day there's a headline about a new technology or policy that's fundamentally shifting how we approach life and work. The reality is we’re living in a time where change is rapid, exponential, and unrelenting—and this doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon.
As the pace of life speeds ups and advances like artificial intelligence or hybrid work becomes the norm, you may be struggling to keep up or make sense of things. Or maybe you’re grieving the loss of an “old way” of doing things that will never return. This feeling of groundlessness may feel more pronounced as you think about all the things you have to get done before the year comes to a close in just a few months.
In my work with changemakers on creating a culture of lasting well-being in the social sector, I’ve observed how today’s rapidly changing world has contributed to or exacerbated a number of challenges, including: prolonged uncertainty, social anxiety, workplace burnout, collaboration & technology overload, intention deficit disorder, and hypercomplexity. I'll write more about these in a future newsletter.
But for now, the point I want to make is that these factors have converged into what Nicola Brown, founder of the Kokoro Wellness community and platform, calls “swirling.” This is where, despite things seeming to return to “normal” after the pandemic, we still carry the residue of unresolved trauma from previous change and disruption. But in an effort the keep things moving, we engage in mental and emotional masking, put on a brave face, and go back into the world.
The result is a swirl of things we’re experiencing intermittently and simultaneously as we try to move forward. It’s like driving with the parking brake on or feeling like you’re always treading water.
Some ways this might show up for you might be:
Feeling uncertainty about whether the pandemic is still happening or not…because it really depends on who you ask.
Being anxious about external pressures like inflation, job market changes, charitable giving fluctuations, etc.
Constantly feeling caught off guard or playing catch up with disruptions like artificial intelligence, the emergence of new social media platforms, etc.
Feeling like you’re unable to get closure as you grieve the loss of loved ones, the “old” way of doing things, or the loss of stability/predictability…and that you’re being rushed to move on.
What would you add to this list?
But you are not alone. And the challenges you are experiencing aren’t your imagination and nor are they your fault.
You are not deficient for feeling persistently overwhelmed and overworked. Ultimately, I believe we’re all doing the best we can with what we have with the systems we have inherited. And that’s all we can ask or expect of ourselves.
But the status quo isn't sustainable. This is one of the reasons I created the Virtual Wellness Retreat for Changemakers to help changemakers like you make the shift to greater well-being while well-doing.
The next retreat is August 25-26. It’s a 2-day experience where we dive into the inner and outer work of increasing your well-being while well-doing for the long haul.
You’ll be in a smart, heart-centered group of changemakers just like you.
You'll get one year of unlimited access to video lessons and handouts.
Are you looking for a deeper dive into how to create a permanent culture of well-being for you and your team? Join us at our next retreat. Learn more at www.mindfultechie.com/retreat.
