I have often wondered how humans overcome and survive extremest adversity. And yet, they do- we are all here as miracles, because we have survived untold horrors through evolution.
Our 200,000 year old Brain has evolved to survive. And so, as the global pandemic takes hold of our world, we are reminded of our limitations. As our government prepares a stadium which less than two weeks ago was hosting dancing festival to be a hospital, we can but wonder at the infinite power of the universe and our vulnerability.
So fear is our innate response when we feel overwhelmed and underprepared. And yet, the contagion of fear leading to hate and division is more likely to add to the chaos than wisdom, compassion and kindness. So if you are reading this, stop, pause and breath….listen to the sounds of nature and know that this too will pass. I invite you to choose to focus on gratitude if, like me you have a warm bed, settee and a kettle. Even if we cannot go out, we can send compassion to those in our streets who are not so lucky, or those far away living in refugee camps or in slums, where there is no running water to wash hands or a kettle to make a cup of tea.
As we anchor down and wait to learn how to fight coronavirus, let us join in a universal mindfulness practice uniting all the different parts of our human family. If you are of faith, remember our human family in your prayers.
Below are links to online resources, including virtual groups, available for free, to support you at this difficult time.
- May you be safe and protected
- May your family be safe, protected and at peace
- May our Nation be safe and protected
- May our world find safety and peace in these turbulent times.
- Wishing you peace and love.
Coping with worry and anxiety due to Covid 19 and how to support children:
Access to free mindfulness sessions, during the crisis, suitable for beginners
5 ways to nurture yourself during covid-19.
Mindfulness and compassion – visit the Covid-19 for more resources
Keeping busy- planning a range of activities and mixing pleasurable activities with routine/chores helps to maintain wellbeing.
Being kind
Keeping a healthy sleep routine
Social contact- talking to others, especially on things that are scary can help to process your experiences instead of holding onto them..