By Maria Barnard

At certain times in some of our lives, we feel as if all the doors have closed in a windowless house. It could be a slow process or it could happen suddenly but either way, you find yourself in a hole with no way out. You might be ill, in a toxic relationship, a child may have died or your spouse may have left. It is in these moments of excruciating shock and pain that we begin to know ourselves on a deeper level.

We would prefer the dark night of the soul wasn’t happening. We’d rather be anywhere else in the world but here in this hopeless place. Falling into this kind of stress and depression, however understandable and unavoidable, can be isolating. It can feel as if you are the only person who could ever understand the situation and you can begin to push people away or simply retreat from society. Here are three actions you can take when it feels impossible to keep going.

1. Go on a Mindfulness Walk

Whether it be up and down your own stairs or walking in the park, get your body moving and commit to being mindful in all of your surroundings during the process. Breath deep, observe your surroundings on a sensory level. If this is difficult, write yourself some questions and refer to them. How does the air smell? How to my feet feel on the pavement or stairs and in these shoes? What colors do I see? What sounds do I hear? As you give your energy to all aspects of the sensory spectrum, you begin to relax and align with new feelings.

2. Find what Thrives

If you’re walking outside, look to any natural elements you can find. A small plant growing between the cracks of the sidewalk, a tree weathering the winter chill or a sunny daffodil in spring. If you happen to be walking inside a building, look for other humans who seem to be thriving or even think about the structure of the building in which you’re in. The building may seem just a building but remember it is thriving in that it’s doing exactly what it should do, it’s fulfilling its purpose. Once you find your thriving thing or plant or person, think about this while walking. Find all the ways in which it is thriving and relax into its strength. You can expand this practice by searching within yourself and aligning with it and even sending some good energy it’s way.

3. Release

During your walk things may start to infiltrate your practice. Your mind may begin to cloud with self doubt, bleakness or anxious thought patterns. Don’t worry, you’ll be prepared. Make the release your mantra. As it happens take a deep breath and in your exhale say the word release. Then go back to the other steps of mindfulness and finding what thrives. As with all of these practices, remember you can use them at any time, in any place.

All photos, writing and artwork are my own. Follow me if it resonates. Www.instagram.com/mariabarnard