In the Pandemic's Wake
I’ve been holding a question posed by life coach Martha Beck, who likened the pandemic’s ascendance to a tidal wave, wiping out the old ways of being. But, she offered, you could also think of it as a wave you could ride, like a surfer. What would it take to let go, have the courage to point your surfboard over the lip of the wave and let gravity glide you to the shore?
Whether we’re surfing or floating or getting battered by the waves, we have all been in the water for several months now, trying to regain some sense of balance and wrestling with our own questions. Since we can’t immediately eradicate the virus, how can we learn to live with it? What does the new normal look like? How can we learn to ride the energy of change and land in a place where we can thrive?
Our natural instinct when faced with profound change is to tense our bodies and hold on tight. Over the last week or so, I kept reminding myself to keep “soft knees” – that is, align my inner and outer worlds as best I can and keep my breath and body relaxed as I ride the wave.
How do we keep soft knees?
As the country slowly begins to reopen and we re-emerge from our sheltering, we each need to determine the level of risk we’re willing to take as new social situations arise. In other words, we need to determine how we will evaluate the information available and make the best decision for us in that moment. These decisions are both external and internal:
External: Decisions on where we go, how many people will we encounter, how much virus exposure we may have (open or closed areas, the quality of air circulation, etc.), how much time we’ll be in that situation and the degree of protection we choose (mask, gloves, etc.).
Internal: Determining what is needed for solid, ongoing, supportive self-care, including how to minimize stress and what will support us over the long term.
As we start to venture out, we may find it helpful to reassess our priorities, habits and routines and be mindful of how new activities feel. Do we still want what we thought we wanted?
I was recently asked, “What are you secretly relieved about?”
“Not having the social pressure to participate in things I don’t want to do,” I said. “It’s nice not to have to explain why I might not want to do something. I have clarity on what’s important to me and am more focused on related activities. In these times, no one really seems to notice.”
While the wave of change wields its destructive force, I’m learning how move with its momentum. During the last few weeks, I find myself taking short reflective breaks with my right hand over my heart and my left resting on my lap palm up. It’s meant as a simple gesture to welcome whatever is coming and a reminder to stay open and curious to what unfolds.
My intent is not to harness the force of nature. Rather, I’m using it as an opportunity to feel the force of nature and trust where the power may take me, while building a new lifestyle that is slow, mindful and deliberate. Days that include stillness and reflection. Days filled with meaningful work, hikes, cooking healthy food, sound sleep, and connecting with loved ones. Days that are more productive because of balance and flexibility, not in spite of it.
Journal Reflections: What have you learned about yourself and your community over the last eight weeks? What has surprised you? How might you adjust your mindset and routines going forward as a result?
Book Announcement: The paperback version of The Athena Principles, Simple Wellness Practices for Overworked Professionals is available on Amazon. The eBook and audiobook will be available by month’s end.