Sometimes, the algorithm just be algorithm-ing.

On New Year's Day, we see endless motivational quotes and resolutions that inspire diligence, consistency, and reaching goals.

My algorithm, however, already consists of motivational quotes and high-vibrational ways of thinking all 365 days of the year. My dad even gifted me a book titled "Atomic Habits" by James Clear - a practical approach to habit formation and breaking bad habits.

I'm trying to develop better habits each day. I always want to work towards a better version of myself. My issue is allowing myself to see the progress. If no one else sees it, often it doesn't feel real. I want to change that about myself.

With the tsunami of New Year's posts, a few gems are in the midst. I came across one on Instagram with a quote by Devi Brown posted by @theuniverse_calling.

““May the light cover you
May your heart stay open
May you feel seen, heard, and accepted
May you find safety
May you be joyful
May you experience pleasure
May you be well””

— Devi Brown

What stands out for me is "may you find safety." Not as though my physical safety is in jeopardy, but often, my mind allows me to go to dangerous places. I want to end that in 2024 with small, calculated steps, or leaps and bounds. This enduring negative mindset must be reduced to taking up the tiniest milligram of space in my brain.

I've often mentioned Maryam Hasnaa on the Pearl and Cucumbers Mental Wellness Podcast and in a few blog posts. This year may be the year I become a returning student to her classes and sessions. Something about the movement of energy, not only in small spaces but within the entirety of this earth, is cyclical.

Why do we feel a collective heaviness when we hear about war, genocide, and famine in other countries? I am not an energy worker, nor have I researched the subject extensively. Still, there is a type of transfer of energy in these instances. That is a large-scale attack, but there are more minor, more frequent daily attacks within our circles and spaces.

Although the function of our nervous system is to protect us, perpetually feeling like it's under attack during these energetic transferences can send your mind into unsafe spaces. A research article from the Plos One online journal points out the need for more research on our nervous system. "...knowledge of mental, neurological and substance use disorders [...] is important to reduce stigma and discrimination, and to improve public health. Along the same line is the need for knowledge about the emotional and the physical aspects of the nervous system [..]. The emotional and the physical aspects have received little attention compared to the cognitive aspect. It is, however, important to recognize that the emotional, the physical and the cognitive aspects, often referred to as the 'body and mind', depend heavily on each other." (Kvello, 1) While there is considerable data from a scientific standpoint on the neurological aspects of how our nervous system allows us to function equally in times of calm and panic, the connection between the mind (emotional) and body (physical) still has many gaps.

It tends to be overwhelming when we delve into the depths of our minds and make the cognitive effort to change patterns of behaviors and not allow specific thoughts to take over. However, understanding where these thoughts stem from makes acceptance an achievable goal.

Let's explore the possibility that we can't find where the nerves and unsafe thoughts derive from. How do we cope?

Exercise regime or exercise class: A New Year's workout regime would be in the cards for a New Year's post. Staying active is a proven element in improving and maintaining mental wellness and feeling unsafe in your home. It may be time to go for a walk.

Making your home a stress-free environment: Let's determine where that unsafe feeling originates. Is it simply a place to sleep and not a sanctuary to decompress from the workday? If you don't look forward to being home, this may be the year to make changes. Research how to take care of a snake plant and take care of said plant. Now you have a little plant baby to invest your time in.

Grounding (there goes that earthing reference!): Refer back to my Earthing and Grounding (shameless plug). So, you're not in a space to do any extensive physical activity. You're also not able to make exceptional changes to your home. But my mind is still unsafe. Meditate on the feeling. Move in it. Understand it. Now, move past it. Put your toes in the grass and breathe. Your current state is unsafe. Reclaim that space and make it yours. You have that power. Your mind is capable.

Hugging/holding oneself: Can I have pressure, please? It is a form of grounding. The pressure you give your arms and midsection when you're all over the place brings you back to the present when your mind doesn't allow you to stay there. Giving squeezes to your thighs, your arms, balling up your fists, tightly closing your eyes: All have given me a sense of the "here and now."

Breathwork: An article from sarahtuckett.com, a somatic physiotherapist, explains the importance of diaphragmatic breathing. Yoga and pilates heavily incorporate this type of breathing. Guiding breathing exercises are a form of meditation that aids in mindfulness.

The newness of the beginning of the year does not mean our bodies are ready to immediately shift into a new space, a new way of thinking, or a new routine. It takes steps—day by day, moment by moment. We often falter and feel that the progress is not quick enough or nonexistent. That is not true so long as we stay consistent. May this year bring diligence. May this year bring consistency. May this year bring you the safety and peace you didn't know you needed.