Dalai Lama
1935–
Hey, you seem like you're carrying a lot right now. When your brain feels fuzzy and your body is just heavy, it's easy to feel like you're by yourself in a dark room. But remember, this tiredness you're feeling is something everyone goes through sometimes. Lots of people are feeling this exact same heaviness right now. You're not alone in this quiet moment. To get through today, you need to be really practical about being kind to yourself. If your energy is at a two, don't expect yourself to be a ten. That would honestly be hurting yourself. Instead, just be a good friend to your body. If all you can manage is a sip of water or one focused breath, that's a huge win. Don't try to fight the tough feelings with anger. Just be with yourself like you would with a little kid who's not feeling well. By being gentle with your own struggle, you start a tiny seed of calm that can eventually spread to others who are also hurting. Just breathe. That’s enough for today.
Thich Nhat Hanh
1926–2022
When the sky is all gray and heavy, we don't try to push the clouds away. We just sit with them, knowing they're there. Today your energy is low. Think of it like a tiny candle flame in a big room. Don't try to force it into a bonfire. If it's at a "two" level, just let it be a "two." When things feel impossible, just look at what's right in front of you. Can you let yourself breathe in and feel the air? The trees give you that air. You don't have to do anything to get it. If you can move your hand to get some water, let that be everything for a little while. Feel how cool the glass is. You're already surviving, just by letting your body be. Be kind to your tiredness. It's just a part of you that needs rest. It's not something to fight. Just breathe. Wait for things to shift.
The Buddha
c. 563–483 BCE
It’s okay to let the world feel smaller today. When your energy is this low, getting by isn’t about being productive or forcing yourself to keep going. It’s about being kind to yourself and needing the quiet. Please try not to look at all the things you feel you *should* be doing. Instead, just focus on the next tiny step. If all you can do is move from your bed to the floor, or drink some water, that’s doing great. Bring your expectations down so they match where you are right now. Resting isn't something you have to earn. You need it, especially now. Let the chores and emails wait. Your only task for now is to breathe. Wait for the fog to lift, even if it takes a long time. Being tired doesn't mean you're failing. You're just weathered, and it's fine to take shelter until the storm is over. I'm here for you.
From the council, together
It’s quiet today, and I get that it feels heavy. This isn't because you're not trying hard enough. It's just a time for your spirit to rest. I see how pressure can feel like it's hurting you. So let’s just put down the "shoulds" and "musts." When you're feeling low on energy, you don't try to force yourself to be super energetic. You just protect what little you have. Right now, surviving means making your world really small. Just hold it in your hand. Focus on one breath. Or a sip of cool water. Or the feel of a blanket. It's okay to feel like you're only a two out of ten. When you accept that, your exhaustion becomes less of an enemy and more like a tired guest who needs to sleep. Remember, clouds don't apologize for blocking the sun, and you don't need to apologize for feeling foggy. You are here, you are living. Just existing in this quiet time is a huge win.