Learning Through the Pandemic
In the northeastern United States, we have experienced six full weeks of “Stay at Home” orders with at least two (and probably four) more weeks on the horizon. In my April 1st blog post, I wrote about the things I was doing to keep my well-being intact during this time. I’ve kept vigilant with my practices, utilizing the green, yellow, red coding I described so I could easily track my progress.
Here’s how I’ve been doing:
Green: I’ve been getting up early and starting the day with a page of journaling, a short meditation, and then exercise. With The Athena Principles book launch quickly approaching, learning something new is built into each day. My evening routine includes keeping everything orderly with a deeper house clean on the weekends. Lastly, I try to do one thing every day that lifts my spirits, be it connecting with a loved one, taking a walk in nature or doing something purely for the fun of it.
Light green: I’ve been focused on healthy eating but am listening to what my body needs (lots of fresh fruit and vegetables with the occasional bourbon on the rocks), spending time outdoors (although the April weather has been cold and rainy), connecting socially (almost every day in person or by video) and quality sleep (I’ve been sleeping well but could use more hours per night).
Yellow: While I have specific times and methods to keep up-to-date on current events, I have an opportunity to further limit my intake of news and use of electronics.
Red: My Achilles heel has been the house projects I wanted to cross off my list. I’ve made a little progress, but I thought I’d be further along.
Here are some things I learned that I wasn’t expecting:
Reconnecting with personal values: This has been a time of deep reflection to reassess purpose (how I choose to spend my time), vitality (how I keep my well-being optimized) and relationships (how I stay true to myself while in relationship with those I love and my community both near and far).
The takeaway: This is the perfect time, if you have capacity, to reassess what matters most. A reinforced foundation will pay dividends as we move forward into our new reality.
Taking lovingkindness practices “off the cushion:” The suffering that so many are experiencing, especially the coronavirus patients and those on the front lines (healthcare workers, first responders and those in the transit, delivery and food industries), certainly puts everyday frustrations in perspective.
The takeaway: Taking the benefits of a meditation practice into the world is a way of sharing increased empathy for others, including an appreciation for family, friends, community and experiences.
Feeling increased presence: Finding a foothold in the middle of impermanence and disruption is key. This is done in small steps, such as focusing efforts on what’s in our control, keeping grounded in the physical senses (breath, exercise, mindfulness walks), and appreciating the goodness and beauty of life (the emerging signs of spring).
The takeaway: Finding and connecting with the still point of the present moment rather than worrying about the past or fearing the future invites calm, access to our inner knowing and even optimism.
As we slowly begin to take steps toward reopening our communities, may we feel ease, may we stay safe and may we continue to extend kindness to ourselves and others.
Journal Reflections: What have you learned about yourself and your community over the last six weeks? What has surprised you? How might you adjust your mindset and practices going forward as a result?