Things to Lean Into During the COVID-19 Pandemic (and What to Avoid)
Many of us have not lived through anything like what we are experiencing with the COVID-19 virus today. This is new territory and that, in and of itself, is unsettling. This can cause us to “scramble” and be less mindful. So here are a few things that can be helpful to lean into and what to avoid during this time.
Lean Into…
Respected science, not conspiracies
This situation will inevitably breed conspiracy theories. Science is not perfect by any means, but respected scientists will focus on keeping you safe. That is why it’s best to limit your news consumption to only respected scientific entities like the CDC and WHO. And when you hear the recommendations from them, follow them as best as you can.
AVOID: Getting news from social media and derivative news (aka news that talk about the news).
Social distancing as an act of compassion
I have been viewing social distancing as an act of great compassion towards each other. In participating in social distancing, we are actually together. Our goal is the same: protect one another. I am doing this not only for myself and my family; I am doing this for you and your family too. And you are doing this for me and my family. We are complete strangers and yet, I feel that in this we are not strangers at all. Social distancing is about love and care, not just physical survival.
AVOID: Being physically close to other people (as you’ve heard, keep at least 6 feet apart).
Hope
Hope is a thought process, not an emotion. Staying connected with the thoughts that you can enact change in your world (even if it’s something like “I can get up and brush my teeth”) can be helpful during this time. If staying home is an option and going outside only to experience nature is enacting change. You won’t know how many or whose lives you will save this way, but one thing is for sure - you will save lives.
AVOID: Staying in your house for days at a time. You don’t have to be physically close to other people to go outside, even if it’s just to walk to the garbage can to throw away trash or stand outside your front door for a few minutes. If the weather is nice, you might even want to pull out the camping chair and sit for a while. When you do go outside, say for a walk in the botanical garden, remember to not touch your face, nose and mouth and wash your hands well when you come home.
Connecting with your faith (not necessarily religion or spirituality)
Religion or spirituality might be for you or it might not. Whichever path is best for you is great. Regardless of this, I feel there is peace in faith, or the experience of letting go of the fear of uncertainty. A sense of acceptance and connection. A sense of humanity and spaciousness.
AVOID: Stopping the little things that help you connect with your inner self (meaning, keep doing them). If you like reading fantasy novels and they bring you a sense of spaciousness and connection, it’s good to keep reading at this time, even if it’s just a few pages a day.
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