“We’re all in this together” as we hear while facing the Covid-19 pandemic. And as the wise Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh often said, “no mud no lotus”; without the murky darkness of mud, lotus and other such flowers can not incubate nor blossom. Looking at the contrast (in this picture) of the mud out of which this bright lemony looking flower just emerged, we are reminded that adversity can yield newfound opportunities to rise and shine afresh on the other side of this crisis or challenges that are part of life.
One of the paradigms shifting, as implied by the “all in this together” phrase, is a deeper realization of our interdependence across countries, cultures and continents. As countries help each other with medical supplies and collaborate to find a vaccine, we are seeing a shift away from the illusory perception of separateness that otherwise keeps us apart and often conflicted, personally and globally.
Reflecting on our individual lives, we are wise to acknowledge our griefs as we strive to overcome presenting challenges. Whether it’s through loss of income or loss of loved ones, most everyone is deeply affected and suffering to some degree. With this awareness, we can choose to match the intensity of the crisis with an equal measure of heart-dwelling compassion for self and others.
Given the pain of isolation and distancing we feel, we can choose to counter this with intentional acts of kindness and generosity of heart. This could be as simple as smiling kindly at a passerby or offering practical help to a neighbor in need of assistance to get basic food supplies.
Even as anxiety rises and uncertainty prevails, let’s remember that although the crisis is out of any individual’s control, each of us has choices that are still in our control to make. Think for example of what you choose to eat daily, read on the internet, watch on TV, the friends or families you can call, the exercise you can still find ways to make time for. Additionally, let’s remember we are internally free to choose our attitudes and our responses to whatever occurs externally.
This is the best time to install new habits of self-care and wellness practices that can become part of your new normal beyond the crisis. Developing a meditation practice now, for example, will help you to calm arising anxieties and strengthen the growth of your immune cells further enhancing your ability to remain healthy as you discover ways to enjoy your life, anew, moment by moment.
If you need help and support by way of counselling and/or coaching services during this crisis, I am offering special discounts to those with income loss resulting from Covid-19. Please inquire by sending an email at isabelle@inspiredmomentum.com
