Historically, pandemics have force human beings to break with the past and imagine their world anew. This one is no different. It is a portal, a gateway, a bridge from one world to the next. We can choose to walk through it, dragging the carcasses of our prejudice and hatred, our avarice, our data banks and dead ideas, out dead rivers and smoky skies behind us. Or we can walk through lightly, with little luggage, ready to imagine another world. And ready to fight for it.

I am sending all of you all of my love and compassion, this pain is universal, regardless of anything superficial that divides us – we are in this together. Please hold onto love and hold onto what you know is ETHICAL & right. Our ancestors are holding us up right now and trying to remind us that they have survived worse. Let’s make them proud. We can get through this and we absolutely will. It won’t be easy but we will transform and evolve, I know it. But LOVE must be our guiding principle. Love. Period.“

And a poem shared from Mary Oliver:

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers flow in the right direction, will the earth turn as it was taught, and if not, how shall I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven, can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows can do it and I am, well, hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it, am I going to get rheumatism, lockjaw, dementia?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing,

And gave it up, And took my old body and went out into the morning and sang.

Supportive Quotes:

“Before you rush back to normal life, pause to think what parts of life are worth rushing back to”

“It’s OK to not do it all”

This pandemic has turned everything upside down. And with all this uncertainty comes stress and then exhaustion. This is a time for rest. We may be getting messages about doing all kinds of activities and learning new things we have never done before. It is always enriching to explore our selves through new activities.

Yet there is a difference between enriching ourselves and feeling a pressure to be productive. Be curious about yourselves and rest. Give yourselves these things.

This is a time to be gentle with ourselves. We are all experiencing more fear, anxiety and helplessness than usual these days. 

Take time to develop your inner observer. By being aware of your thoughts, you can consciously choose to focus on the things that bring you joy, calm and love.  

When you are aware of uncomfortable feelings: 

#1: Name them.

 #2: Accept them and invite them to sit next to you. Let them know you are listening. Tell yourself that feelings come and go.

#3 Give yourself a hug, and talk to yourself like a loving mother. Tell yourself, “It’s going to be OK” “This will not last forever.” “I love you.” or any other loving statements. 

Hold onto your values and know that simple things can make this time a little more manageable – structured eating, resting, fresh air, self-compassion, or whatever is calling you. You know YOU best. Be gentle and kind to your body and yourself.