'We're all just doing the best we can,' is my response to literally anything right now...whether you told me you chugged a box of wine, took a 6 hour midday nap, set up Christmas decorations in May, robbed a bank, or gave yourself bangs.
There was a date we were all looking forward to as the opening up of America. We have been going through the motions of our daily lives. Adapting to new routines–some good ones, others we can’t stand–watching each milestone pass as we anticipate a moment that we can mark on the calendar when the world will resume–pick up where we left off.
And here we are again. Bracing for the impact of the next setback–the Delta Variant. The number of new cases is increasing again. Our protocols and expectations for fall are changing again.
Meanwhile, some people are trying to squeeze in the trip they planned before something happens, others are cancelling their adventures unsure of what will happen in the next few weeks.
What is being underscored now is the chaotic nature of this time we are living through. So how do we move forward? By looking within and following your own guidance. In each moment. If we try to include too many future variables into our decisions we are likely to implode from the pressure or dissolve into a puddle of anxiety.
We continue our planning for fall as if it will be normal. We decide if we are going to work today after listening to the government orders and then checking with our body. Is it tightening up when I think about returning to work? Do I feel calm?
Never before have the principles of mindfulness been more needed. So let’s go over them.
- Your point of power is in the present. Make decisions from this place and time. Not the past. Not the future. Right now. Each decision, every time.
- Your body is always speaking to you if you learn to listen. Our bodies have innate wisdom regarding what is right for us. And us alone. Not your neighbor, coworker, or sister, You. Get quiet and feel your way forward, one decision at a time.
- When you are getting overwhelmed, steady your breathing. Long, slow deep breaths allow the panic that is rising to subside and rational thought to return to the mind. Check out some meditation apps that have breathing regulators, they are supremely helpful. Calm and Insight Timer are two favorites.
- Adopt a Beginner’s Mind. Remember that just because you have never done something before doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out. We are all figuring this out. Mistakes will be made. That is 100% O.K. Just keep going, you will be able to find your way through the confusion.
- Practice non-judgment. This goes for yourself as well as others. Let other people figure out what is right for them, trust that they have similar guidance. There is no one way to do anything. Different strokes for different folks, always and forever. Focus on yourself and give yourself grace. Be generous with forgiveness.
If you take anything away from this article let it be this, no one is certain of the right thing to do in this situation. No. One. Mistakes will be made, probably a lot of them. Be compassionate. Show grace. Do the best you can.
When you need rest, take it. If you can help out a person with less than you, do it. Some of us will not survive this experience financially.
The person you are frustrated with and want to tell off, may have just lost someone they love. Be kind. Assume best intentions.
We are tribal by nature. We need each other to survive. Let love move you forward. Trust yourself and your next forward movement. Be. Here. Now.
