Dear friends,
I am thinking of you today, as we all navigate uncharted waters together. My hope is to provide you with some of the helpful “offers” that have come to my attention in this time of Covid-19.
May you find the inner resources and outer supports that you need at this time. May you “find your feet” and your grounding on a day by day basis. May you discover unexpected gifts in these unusual circumstances. May you know what is yours to do. And may we all come to know ourselves and one another with greater clarity and compassion.
With care and love,
Shirley
Something to think about
What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
-John Lubbock
Signs of hope
The anxieties and uncertainties many of us are feeling are real. And at the same time, the signs of hope and springtime also abound. In the midst of the sobering news stories, I am also receiving some of the most generous and generative emails. So many people and organizations are freely sharing their insight and expertise at a time when inspiration and calm is exactly what is needed.
In this time of Covid-19 and social distancing, here are just a few of the many helpful resources out there — for concerns from the practical to the mystical:
For those concerned about financial hardship:
This Global news article informs Canadians how to access emergency benefits.
For those struggling with anxiety:
The Tapping Solution (based on EFT: Emotional Freedom Technique) offers some free resources to reduce stress and anxiety and boost our immune systems. This simple technique based on acupoint tapping is an effective way to release stress and anxiety related to the Covid-19 – or anything else, for that matter! Search for the Tapping Solution App on your phone or visit http://TheTappingSolution.com I’ve tried them and they work!
Brene Brown has just launched a new podcast and her first sharing is all about the vulnerability and fear of doing anything for the first time — including living through a pandemic! I found her words normalizing at a time that is anything but normal. You can also check out her blog called: Collective Vulnerability, the FFTs of Online Learning, and the Sacredness of Bored Kids.
For inspiration and perspective:
This beautiful poem by Lynn Ungar shifted my mindset into viewing this enforced slow down as “sacred time”.
Buddhist teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield share some wonderful resources for those wanting to dive deeper. Creating a Home Retreat: Finding Freedom Wherever You Are Many resources are shared generously, including a variety of guided meditations and teaching segments, if you’d like to create a home retreat. Listen to one or many.
Hay House publishing is also offering free podcasts and videos on a range of inspirational topics pertinent to this time we are experiencing, featuring speakers such as Wayne Dwyer and Louise Hays.
And for parents:
These are just a few of many articles on home activities for kids and pointers for how to work from home with kids. Remembering those days of parenting young children, my heart goes out to you as you juggle it all! I hope these articles stimulate some ideas and get those self-preservation strategies percolating! More articles are available by googling “what to do with kids at home”.
How to keep your kids busy (and learning) while schools are closed.
The Secret To Keeping Your Kids Happy, Busy and Learning If Their School Closes Due To Coronavirus.
Help! I’ve got kids, what do I do? Tips for parents working from home
This is Staples’ list of craft supplies. Just reading the list will spark ideas. And they deliver!
To stay in touch with others:
Try free video conferencing with ZOOM. Their free basic service will allow you to talk one-to-one on your smartphone or computer with friends or family without cost. You can even set up a group video conference call lasting up to 40 minutes. It’s as close as you’ll get to being there in person! And this basic service won’t cost you anything. (You can always upgrade if you want longer, unlimited group calls.)
These are only a few of the many resources being made available to us daily. We are not alone in this! If you have suggestions to add, please drop me an email as I love to pass on helpful info.
Personally
Each day I am looking for the opportunity of this enforced “slow down”. Here is found time for those things I often say I want more of: quiet time to reflect, time to read that stack of books on my night table, time to declutter my office and my closets, time to watch Netflix without guilt, time to declutter my computer before it freezes, time to walk in the forest, time to notice the unmistakable signs of spring, time to cook and try new recipes, time to nap, time to connect via phone or Facetime or ZOOM, time to enjoy my home and my family.
Sounds pretty good! I know that’s not the case for everyone. I realize that I have the luxury of already working virtually, so my adjustments are minimal. And I don’t have young children to entertain and make decisions for. And I don’t live alone – so social isolation is less of a concern.
However, I have talked with individuals in all of these other situations and what has struck me is this: I hear people finding resourceful ways to respond to their own needs. I also hear people reaching out to others, to see what they can do for them. And I hear people reflecting on what they are grateful for – knowing that it can always be much worse than it is.
I celebrate all the hopefulness that I see and hear!
