Well here we are in the third formal week of the “stay at home” orders in Colorado. Now that Governor Polis has asked that we wear some sort of nose/mouth covering in public, we are called to find some creative ways to protect ourselves and others. As we walked around the Quarry Ponds this afternoon, we saw a variety of coverings including observing a sweet picnic in the grass where Mom and the three kids were alternating wearing colorful masks and eating! It is a challenge to continue all the normal daily activities that run a household, and keep our families and friends connected. How do we stay centered in the present moment when the only thing certain is that we will be restricted in our movements for some weeks, maybe months yet? Is this the “new normal”? Anxiety is rising.
One certainty that we do have: Change is inevitable. We humans tend to rise to global challenges and find a way to survive, and preferably thrive too. Those who are resilient understand that we control less than we think we do. Remember that we have SUCH a high quality of living compared to developing countries. And when we can stay focused on each day as it comes- staying present with ourselves, our activities and those around us- then we are truly practicing the essential skill of Mindfulness. It seems that as I practice slowing down and paying attention more, I appreciate the preciousness of this brief life as well. Also, it is normal to grieve our old lives; we all have losses and they are all relative. Talking to someone we trust can be helpful.
Learning from each other and sharing some insights is essential. Some of these I shared with you in the last blog.
There is a pretty general agreement that keeping a routine or schedule is healthy; this might mean getting up at the same time as usual when we were working or taking kids to school, and have consistent times to eat/clean etcetera. The mind/body likes some order and predictability, even if the rest of the day is less controllable. Because of the fact that we all tend to be more ‘screen driven’, we need a balance between visual/headwork and physical activity. My grandchildren who are now doing school online have a directive to find sixty minutes a day of physical activity, whether it is throwing the ball for the dog, or feeding the chickens. I know my daughter is struggling to get the boys outdoors as they like their video games and reruns of “The Simpsons”! But this does not have to be fancy- there is no need to order a whole bunch of home gym stuff from Amazon. We have the blessings of (mostly) pretty good weather and a state trail system that other states would envy. How about a twenty-minute walk for the whole family? I have seen more people out walking than in all the thirty years I have lived here! And they all seem to be enjoying it too. It is helpful to remember our “place in Things” is to go out into nature and the environment. Using our senses to connect to the outdoors gives us a fresh perspective.
And regarding a perspective- many of my clients and myself who have high anxiety, find it really detrimental to watch or listen to too much News; things are changing, but it is helpful to limit the incoming stimulus especially before bedtime. Remember the news thrives on negative ‘spin’. And if living alone makes us lonely, take a risk to reach out virtually to old friends, or find a walking buddy. There is even a website called “dancealonetogether”. Virtual classes give us contact with others.
All of us need a purpose, to make meaning of our lives. If our main focus was working or running a business and that has folded, then we may need to find other creative ways to feel valued or needed. Remembering that we are all here on the planet to use our given gifts, is essential. Our identity cannot just be based on how others see us. Remember we all have a right to “stand on the planet” as a “Being” not just a “Doer”.
There are many more ways that I’m sure you can find to stay centered, and of course I would love to hear from you. I am now able to do HIPAA compliant virtual sessions as well as phone or FaceTime, so please let me know if you need support, especially if you are in crisis. Don’t let unemployment or a shaky budget stop you from contacting me; we can work something out. I am postponing my Women’s group and the Mindfulness trainings for now, but my Newsletter will still go out monthly with updates.
Blessings, and stay mindful and healthy!
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