“EVERYTHING IS CANCELLED.”
I have been hearing myself say this repeatedly, in awe actually, as I process what is actually going on in the world… Or at least my perception of it, anyway. After a few days of taking in the fact that churches, schools, meetings, yoga studios, clubs, plays, gatherings, and generally “all things fun” have canceled their usual activities, a myriad of emotions have swept over me. As an event facilitator, it has taken me equally long to deal with the fact that all my own gatherings, workshops, and retreats have been canceled. Suddenly, it feels like everything I have been working so hard on lately, no longer matters. It is simultaneously terrifying and somehow weirdly comforting, knowing we are all learning how to deal with similar circumstances.
Of course, above all, holding love and compassion for the sick and dying, healthcare workers, doctors, and all other emergency personnel is paramount as we move into this completely uncharted territory. We are all affected in one way or another, directly and indirectly. And knowing that anxiety and stress are the real culprits for most of us, it is vital that we learn to find peace within the storms at hand.
Well, guess what? NOW is the time we have all been waiting for. We are all being asked to go inside ourselves to find our way from darkness. “Distractions” are being taken away left and right. This is the perfect time to use our creative energy to create a new way of BEing. It is time to accept what is happening and release attachment to life as we would have it. Now is the time to release trying to control outer circumstances (because… well, good luck…) and learn to be in the FLOW… which thankfully has been my intention and theme for 2020, anyway…lucky me.
Often, I find that the real answer is simply changing my perspective about a situation. Because I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I am always divinely guided, I know there must be a silver lining to this experience. And finally, I have slowly but surely begun to see a blessing in all the chaos. Toilet paper shortages aside, my true passion has always been being outside in nature. The thought of being “quarantined” indoors may bring me to a state of panic but taking a walk in the woods is not only my everyday answer to stress but is, in fact, called for in this situation! What a gift… that just happens to be my favorite thing to do!
So, I am encouraging you to go outside and take a walk. Listen to the birds. See the beauty that is all around us. It will lift your spirits, guaranteed.
Stay peaceful and healthy, my friends.
Namaste
