Here we are in late October already! My hope is that many of you have been spending some great time outside enjoying the change of season, the fresh air that’s getting crisper, and the truly amazing Fall colors. Also, as many restaurants and merchants have moved their daily services and offerings outside and gotten creative with space, I hope you’ve been able to get out and find some normalcy – safely.

As we move through the change to colder weather though, there is this looming “thing,” isn’t there? This imminent thought that soon we’ll be very much inside again, with fewer outside venues to visit, places to go and things to do.

We’ve been living with our lives turned completely upside down now for more than half a year, and there are still so many unknowns. This takes a great toll on all of us, mentally and emotionally. There is no one that’s immune to the effects of this.

So how do we tap into our resiliency, and find a way to come to terms with the unknowns all around us as we move into the winter months? How do we find that patience to ride it out, to keep going, to find peace and even happiness during these times?

We can do what I like to think of as “Keeping up the Beat.”

Here’s what I mean…

When I meditate or even just sit quietly with my thoughts, one thing comes to the surface every time. My heartbeat. It’s always there. It goes on and on at a steady pace every minute of every day, no matter what. When I think about tapping into that beat, what it means, bringing it to the outside, making it a “thing” and focusing on just how strong it is, that’s really powerful, and it uncovers many ways to tap into our resiliency.

Think about it…

First – we are NOT alone.

Every living mammal has a heartbeat. And we are all in this upside down world together. With all of our heartbeats drumming away. Simply knowing that is a comfort. Reaching out to others for support and community is more important now than it ever has been. Take advantage of that! Find ways to connect with others, daily. Tap into that ongoing beat of your family, friends and community. Because those who you connect with are going through the uncertainties and anxieties too. Let’s make it a mission to lift each other up and keep the beat going – together!

Second – take that beat as your internal compass.

Your heartbeat is yours and yours alone. Listen to it. Take comfort in it’s consistency. Make that rhythm your foundation … go back to it when you need to seek calmness. When you find yourself worrying “what if” and what’s next, get present and be thankful for what you have in the now. Your heartbeat. Your health. Your inner peace. Get grounded there.

Third – bring the beat to life!

Finding a beat and tapping it out is an awesome stress reliever. You can’t think and drum at the same time – your brain needs to focus on the beat, so drumming essentially sweeps the mind clear of all thoughts so you can start over. Here are two  quick rhythms that you can do anywhere – even if just for one minute – that will reset your energy and your thoughts back on track. DROM with me!