Cultivating connection, peace, and positivity
Easier said than done, right?
How are you all doing in this unsettling and surreal space we’re inhabiting?
I don’t know about you, but tempering the daily onslaught of fear, anxiety, anger, and helplessness is no easy task. Each morning I get a detailed pandemic update from my number one newsman (AKA my husband) as he prepares to head to work. We both consider him one of the lucky ones able to tap into that elusive normalcy called routine. He, because he’s still allowed to drive to his essential job, surrounded by his familiar computer, files, and family photos. Me, because he’s still allowed to drive to his essential job (and is therefore not home crawling out of his skin!)
All kidding aside, reinventing our elusory daily routine is no easy task. Yet it’s pivotal to do so in order to maintain a modicum of sanity within this forced seclusion.
So, what’s working for you?
For me, I’m eternally grateful to my daughter, Erin, for turning me on to Cabin Fever Daily Yoga Flow with the exceptional yogi, Lilly Tobin. It’s my go-to every morning at 8:30, amplifying my day with positivity, serenity, movement, and gratitude. A private donation-based Facebook group, Lilly purports, “The world flipped upside down but yoga flow and human connection isn’t canceled💕Join me on the mat and take your power, breath, and positivity back into your own hands ✨” Truth be told, I’m actually exercising more since this whole shelter in place unfolded! If you ‘re interested in joining us, email me at gracefulwomanwarrior@gmail.com and I’ll invite you to #namastethatcovidaway.
Speaking of my insanely talented daughter, if you’re looking for some culinary entertainment, check out Erin and Matt’s quarantine cooking show, Mr. and Mrs. Home Cook, for some flavorful works of art peppered with a dash of much needed comic relief.
If it’s connection you’re craving, I’ve been literally blown away by the collective unity experienced in Reimagine’s Daily Dose of Togetherness. It’s hard to describe the sense of worldwide community created in these virtual gatherings. After the guided meditation and guest speaker, I literally came face-to-face with a small group of people from England, Chicago, Miami, and Philly where we answered daily questions such as, “What brings you strength and love?” Providing a vital opportunity to “hold each other” through this surreal and disorienting time, this meaningful online space is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I highly recommend you tap into this haven of mindfulness and human connection.
Marie Forleo’s comprehensive Coronavirus Support Guide is a phenomenal resource, designed to “1. Tell you about all the good things happening right now. 2. Share resources that can help you or someone you know get through this coronavirus crisis. 3. Get you strong so you can lead and help stop emotional contagion: the spreading of stress, fear, panic and anxiety.”
Last but certainly not least, if you are able to safely do so, GET OUTSIDE! I am eternally grateful for my beautiful yard, local beaches, and gorgeous DNRT trails, where I can safely commune with nature. Speaking of, check out last week’s classrooms —
Yesterday, I lead with my heart, traveling to Provincetown, MA to celebrate what would have been my sister, Jeanne’s, 72nd birthday. Visiting my sister on her birthday every year has powered me through the inevitable angst that accompanies this day. Why was I hesitating this year? So what, the skies were gray and a steady mist was falling? Why couldn’t I make it to Provincetown and back without a bathroom break, ensuring the mandatory social distancing? (Terri’s voice whispered to me at that point, “Worst comes to worst, you can always take a nature shishi!”)
So off I went. And Jeanne’s spellbinding spirit did not disappoint…
After visiting her at the cemetery it was off to her “happy place,” Race Point. Braving the storm clouds and howling wind, I walked the ocean’s shore, reveling in the roaring seas and salt scented winds.
Returning to my car, I gazed out one last time.
“Holy shit, Jeanne!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. Breaching from the ocean’s horizon was a magnificent, regal whale… Then another. And another.
Four in all❤️
So, my fellow graceful warriors, during these incredibly unsettling times, take the time to nourish your soul. Prioritize self-care. Balance gratitude with grief. Practice tenderness with yourself and others.
Pray. For the sick. Dying. Grieving. Homeless.
Especially pray for those on the front lines. Medical personnel. Grocery clerks. Home health aides.
Lend a helping hand. Send a card. Call. Sew masks. Donate.
And please know, you’re not alone.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay home.
With so much love,
Auntie L
PS- I know, I know, go outside and stay home are antithetical — you know what I mean😊
PPS-Working to become more proficient with this virtual world in order to offer a mini Grace Lessons Grief Workshop. Let me know if you might be interested!