Stop and Smell the Roses
With the Covid-19 pandemic we are in an unprecedented time, at least during our lifetime. With shelter-in-home mandates we are spending most of our time at home, hopefully for many working and on-line schooling at home. For millions work has come to a halt, reinforcing time on the home front. The changes and uncertainty can be uncomfortable and disturbing. People are facing more difficult challenges resulting from the virus.
For those who are not facing an emergency situation, I’d like to invite you to look at this scenario in a different light. Not by minimizing the situation before us, but by allowing yourself to find the silver linings. A few positive aspects include that we are given more time to be at home, permission to slow down, additional family time, space to reconnect virtually with friends, opportunities to focus on self-care, emphasis on our health and well-being, circumstances to help others, urges to get outside and enjoy fresh air, the chance to get some extra sleep and time to get things done that have been put off… to name a few.
These circumstances are also an opportunity to be present. With such a turn of events we don’t know what to expect next. We are not sure when shelter-in-home will be over and even the dates set are likely to change. There is the realization that the things we could count on are changing and the illusion of knowing things for certain is being unveiled. When this is over, it is unlikely that we’ll return to “business as usual” as so much has changed and emotional, mental, and economic recovery will be needed.
It becomes more obvious that the only thing that we can count on is actually happening in the present moment. There is a need to focus on what is before us and when we do so we are more effective on all levels. This has always been true but has never been so apparent. We must be present to manage the negative aspects of what is going on in our lives properly.
I encourage you to notice there are many moments of beauty and silver linings all around us. How many times in the past have you wished to have more time at home or desire to escape the hectic pace of your lifestyle? By tuning into the positive aspects of our current situation and feeling gratitude we can slip into moments of peace and have opportunities to smell the roses. This requires slowing down, being mindful and tuning into the positive aspects of life.
The sun still shines, the birds go on chirping, animals are ever present, the flowers are blooming, leaves on the trees are bursting out of their buds and the scent of spring is in the air. This is a great time to spend time outdoors enjoying the perfection of nature, which is also very grounding and centering.
Some of the benefits happening now with the collective include that our Earth is healing, people are uniting together with the realization that we are all in this together, awareness regarding personal issues and global problems is highlighted and many are strengthening their spirituality and trust in God.
If you are overcome with fear and anxiety this might be a good time to consider engaging in some therapy or healing with a qualified practitioner. Most are continuing to work through these circumstances by phone or video appointments. These interesting times are triggering and highlighting difficult emotions and unresolved issues for many. There is no time like the present to dive in and do the healing necessary to navigate life with more ease.
Check out my services if you’re interested in getting started with me. I am currently offering telehealth sessions by phone or video anywhere in the world. My clients have been very pleased with the results and those who previously saw me in person report that it is just as effective from a distance.
Look for a blog in the near future regarding tips to begin a mindfulness meditation practice.