Nothing is changing. Everything is changing.
Before you begin reading, can you please take a pause. Place one hand on your heart (yep, I’m going there) and your other hand over that hand. Let's take a collective deep breath in, hold it at the top (3…2…1…), and sigh it out strong.
I’m just going to jump right in. I see that you’re scared. I hear that your anxiety is heightened, that uncertainty is glaring at you in the face and saying “See! I told you that you never had controll!” and that your heart is aching in this space of unknowing. I get it. And I am here to say that I understand. I understand and I have compassion and empathy for your experience—for the experience of every single human on this feels-like-it’s-spinning-off-it’s-axis Earth.
I only ask that you extend yourself the same compassion. Mercy. Grace. Love. Even if you consider yourself “luckier” than most (where has comparison ever gotten us?), can you still allow yourself space to feel uncomfortable? You are allowed. Permission granted. We all are experiencing it, in our own way. Be compassionate with yourself. Now, more than ever, be kind to you. It will lend itself to how you treat the greater good, and Mother Earth.
Full disclosure: My sympathetic nervous system is on overdrive. I feel like I am constantly on high alert. I am doing what I can to ease that discomfort, but more importantly, I am not judging it. I am accepting it. I am allowing myself to be OK with low-grade anxiety (sometimes medium, sometimes high), while also doing what I can to feel a sense of comfort. All of this starts with compassion, for myself and for others.
I understand. You are not alone—and yet this process feels lonely. It is indeed isolating. I miss the casual ability to hug another human. It always came so naturally to me. I am a great hugger. What do I do with that superpower now??
And what do we do with the sadness for other people who are struggling, who are suffering? For now, I pray. I pray for the greater good for all. I honor my own anxiety (which is real) and I pray for their pain to ease, for this to pass (sooner than later).
I do believe that the Universe is sending us a message. I am still trying to figure out exactly what it is. I have a strong hunch that slowing down, reevaluating our priorities, acceptance, patience and surrender are all included in the memo. The truth is, today is not that different from yesterday. Yes, the stores are closed and we’re essentially forced to stay inside and we are being animals about toilet paper purchases (no judgement, just facts—and room for growth), but much like yesterday, today is uncertain. It always has been, and it always will be. Can we accept that, and still live a beautiful life? Can we accept that, and live a beautiful life because of it?
I will continue to ask myself these questions, and continue to seek to understand.
Below is a list of all the self-care and spiritual practices that have been helpful for me and/or the people I love. If not already listed, please share your own in the comments. Spread the love, loves.
Phone calls with friends. Yes—actual phone calls!
Live online yoga classes. I sincerely still feel a sense of community just knowing tons of other people are practicing at the same time. Also: wonderful way to begin a practice if you’ve been too shy to try at a studio. YouTube has a wonderful variety of pre-recorded classes as well.
Simple self-care. Hot showers. Leg shaving. Coconut oil. Feeling clean and cozy is a privilege we need not take for granted.
Cooking. For me this looks like “cooking lite,” but I swear (maybe…) I’ll open one of the three cookbooks adorably displayed in my kitchen soon.
Gratitude. All day, every day. The smells of the outdoors. The roof over my head. The text from a friend that made me laugh out loud. More time (to connect with my family, to sit still and breathe). I’m even finding gratitude in things that once irritated me.
Virtual Hangs. Zoom in and take a seat—or throw a dance party, teach a cooking class, happy hour anyone? Have fun, giggle, get wild.
Smell good anything. Essential oils, candles, palo santo, sage. I’m lighting, wearing or diffusing one or multiple scents all day, every day to settle my senses and clear my mind.
Prayer. People get weird about the word prayer. I get it. I used to, too. I’m not religious, and I pray daily. It’s a thank you, an offering, an acknowledgement. If that feels safe for you, give it a try. Offer love and support to someone or something that needs it right now.
Writing. Poems, cards, posts, jokes, wish lists, journaling. Writing can be a very cathartic experience.
Meditation. Download Insight Timer for guided meditations and podcasts that can support you in your stillness.
Puzzles. 7 out of 10 friends are doing one RIGHT now. I’m not, but puzzles are a big hit. On my to-do list (a few notches below the cooking)
Reading. It’s harder to concentrate, that’s for sure, so chose something light and sweet. Personally, I’d stay away from the Sci-fi section, but you do you ;)
Closet editing. What better time than now for some spring cleaning? De-cluttering can be calming; clearing not just your closet, but mental space, too.
“Is this lifting or lowering my energy?” This is a good question to ponder when you find yourself caught up in your news feed or doing a deep dive on social media. Observe without judgment and consider how this is making you feel. Maybe it’s what you need right now, or maybe you’re in a trance of “doing” and you need a short detox. The answer may be different each time.
Service. To keep your service work safe, try this: Create cards for folks who can’t have visitors and are in extra need of good cheer. For extra fun, gather friends over Zoom and create together.
Netflix parties. Yep. It’s a thing. You don’t even have to be in the theater to get annoyed with your buddy for talking too much during your favorite flick! Watch a movie alone, together. Kick it on your couch or in bed (audio only, so you can wear your crappy PJs).
Fresh Air. Without which, I would really go bananas. Be smart and keep the required distance, but definitely get some. Take a walk, a hike, sit on a bench in sun. Breathe in the scents of the outside world. Ahhh.
Big breath in. Hold it at the top (3…2…1…) and sweet *sigh* of relief out of your mouth.
This too shall pass. We’ve got this.