Many of us believe that we are in the beginning stages of a great awakening full of new information and shifting systems that once acclimated, could help usher in a new world. Subsequently, we are also in a time when any one of us could become overwhelmed by this new information, feeling like it’s too much to take in. It might even feel like we’re going crazy. So what can you do when you know you want to learn and grow but you aren’t able to hold it all? How do you handle  paradigm shifting information without throwing in the towel and completely giving up?

Paradigms are shifting

I clearly remember the first time I watched the movie Thrive because it changed my life and woke me up to who I was and why I was here. And although I was riveted, I also didn’t want to believe what I was being shown. Simultaneously, I knew it was true. I needed to know it and so did my body. But it was a hard truth and I could only handle it in bits and pieces. At one point I fell asleep and I’m guessing that was my body protecting me from overwhelm because later I was able to finish and I am grateful I didn’t give up. Nine years later, I have developed muscle for taking in new information that challenges my belief system. I can still feel overwhelm and shock but I know how to take care of myself when this occurs.

4 Things To Do  When It Feels Like Too Much

Here’s what I’ve learned to do when things feel overwhelming.

Listen to your body and get familiar with what too much feels like for you. As I mentioned earlier I fall asleep when things are too much but I know someone who begins yawning like crazy and someone else who can’t stop coughing. Once you’ve arrived at a place of overwhelm your body will let you know. Also, there’s really no use trying to override things because you won’t retain what you’re taking in. You’re too full. Give yourself a break and go back for more later once the information has had time to settle in you.

Find Support and community. This isn’t easy alone. And if you’re reading this then you’ve found Alexis and Higher Journeys – that’s good. Additionally, If you don’t have others traveling down the rabbit hole with you it might makes sense to get online and see what kinds of communities and support groups are out there. I know what it’s like to go through this alone and can tell you that even one person makes a big difference. And it’s because of this I offer creative support for those wanting a bit of art or to talk about how they are doing with all of this.

Be Gentle with yourself (and others) Anytime you are given big or new information it’s felt throughout your entire system. Keep this in mind as you wake up. Take naps when you can. Start writing in a journal just to let go of some of your thoughts about everything. Listen to music you love. Take a bath or shower – water is great for clearing energy. Humming is good too! And although we want everyone to be aware and awake, sending friends and family tons of articles or podcasts when they aren’t ready could make it harder for everyone involved. Learn to “read the room” and if they aren’t ready they aren’t ready. We are all in different stages of waking up.

Use Your Internal Guidance System. When you are receiving new information, take what resonates for you and leave the rest. Get familiar with feeling your truth. What does it feel like in your body when you are aligning with something that is true? For me I get goosebumps and an overall feeling of knowing. I can also feel it in my gut. Sit with the information you have been given for as long as it takes to know if it’s for you or not.

Bottom line, be kind to yourself as you traverse this new and uncharted territory. Trust yourself and above all know that you are not alone.