So it feels like that is the complete opposite of what’s happening in our world right now, on a local, regional, national and global level. There is fear, anxiety, panic and despair. I get it. People are dying, people are afraid for their health, for that of their loved ones, and now even for their livelihoods.
I have veered away from posting anything because there are so many people in fear and despair. I hit a wobble myself at the weekend. I have parents over 70, both with underlying health conditions and I am 200 miles away from them. How can I support them both to be safe?
I recognised it and worked through it, giving myself space and permission to look at the feeling and then to let go of it. Fear serves only to disrupt the natural flow of your being. Your wellbeing will be impacted on all levels by fear which manifests in lots of ways but often as anxiety, anger and despair. It will suppress your immune system and it will cause you to shrink into a smaller version of yourself.
If you are in that place, it’s ok. Really. It is ok to not be ok. But don’t chose to stay stuck there. There are amazing things happening in your neighbourhood. You can focus on the panic buying, or you can focus on the community rallying around and setting up systems to support the most vulnerable. It’s your choice.
You can despair at how we will economically survive this, or we can see what a breath of life our planet is being given, when so many of us have wondered how she could keep on living herself. Look at the huge drop in air pollution, the blue skies appearing through the smog.
Keep yourself in your fullest version of you. Allow creativity to spurt forth where it has been swamped by being so busy doing. And doing and doing. Now is a time for us to remember that we are human BEINGS, not human doings.
My work is to help and support you to stay in your fullest self. Yes, that sometimes manifests as a bad back, or a low mood, or uncertainty in decision making. It manifests as tears, fear, anger, despair and a multitude of other shadow emotions. But you don’t have to get stuck there. I know, I have worked very hard at moving myself beyond some pretty dark places. I don’t dwell there any more, but I recognise them.
It is my intention today, to still do as much as I can to keep doing my work, in supporting you. I am looking at creative ways to do this, for those that simply do not feel able to come in person. More on that to come in the near future.
For now I leave you with this from a chance conversation with a loved one who offered up this and that’s what compelled me to write. Thank you Jack.
Shared in a closing down theatre show. Words by Gurpreet Gill.
For me, they so beautifully and eloquently say what I feel in my heart, but couldn’t ever have written with such grace and beauty. I hope they touch you with inspiration, hope and calm.
There is so much fear about COVID-19.
And, what if …
If we subscribe to the philosophy that life is always working out for us, that there is an intelligence far greater than humans at work …
That all is interconnected.
What if …The virus is here to help us?
To reset.
To remember.What is truly important.
Reconnecting with family and community.
Reducing travel so that the environment, the skies, the air, our lungs all get a break.
Parts of China are seeing blue sky and clouds for the first time in forever with the factories being shut down.
Working from home rather than commuting to work (less pollution, more personal time).
Reconnecting with family as there is more time at home.
An invitation to turn inwards — a deep meditation – rather than the usual extroverted going out to self-soothe.
To reconnect with self – what is really important to me?
A reset economically.
The working poor. The lack of healthcare access for over 30 million in the US. The need for paid sick leave.How hard does one need to work to be able to live, to have a life outside of work?
And, washing our hands – how did that become a ‘new’ thing that we need to remember. But, yes, we did.
The presence of grace for all.
There is a shift underway in our society – what if it is one that is favourable for us?What if this virus is an ally in our evolution?
In our remembrance of what it means to be connected, humane, living a simpler life, to be less impactful/more kind to our environment.
An offering from my heart this morning. Offered as another perspective. Another way of relating to this virus, this unfolding, this evolution.
It was time for a change, we all know that.
And, change has arrived.
What if …
Beaming love light out to you all. Be the brightest you can be. Shine your light.