The one thing that stands out about our current global situation is that our world will be forever changed from this event. To say that it has already been difficult for most of us is a massive understatement. I don’t know if I’ve ever had this much variation in emotions from minute to minute for such an extended period of time, all while trying to keep as level a head as possible. I admit I’ve lost my shit plenty of times over the past three weeks, though. I can’t imagine what it must be like for those whose health is seriously at risk or who have lost loved ones.
We all respond in different ways, and as much as we look for social cues, experts, leaders, secret information and other external sources for comfort or reassurance, our strength and resolve ultimately comes from within.
Here is an excerpt from the opening lines of my book, Reconnection, that seems very apropos now as well, at least from my perspective:
“I struggled with writing this book for a few years, partially because I am not an accomplished author with crazy literary skills, but mainly because I kept thinking there was going to be some grand point I could make, reveal or reach in the end, although it never really happened. Looking back, that actually is the point. It never ends, until it does. The good, the bad, the irritating and the divine. The love, the sorrow, the joy, the pain, the ecstasy. This is living, and being willing to experience and connect with all that life has to offer, and to make the most out of all of these combined day to day events is the task at hand, with the mission to hopefully enhance the lives of those around us and leave the world a better place within our sphere of influence.
I believe that we can create the lives we want to live within our experiences and how we respond to them internally and externally. We can also choose to create new experiences, and new responses. When we don’t, we are no longer living, but instead just existing in a state of reaction only to others and those external factors as a semi-willing participant, unaware that we are unaware.
Who am I? How do I describe myself or define who I am to others? Do I include my future dreams and goals along with my current activities? How much of my past do I reveal? What is the purpose of what I’m doing right now, and is it a worthwhile endeavor? These are questions that I often ponder.”
I believe that it is up to each of us to find out what we can learn from this and decide how we will re-emerge once all of the restrictions have been lifted and the world is a safer place once again. Consider some of these questions:
- What will you do for work?
- How will you spend your free time?
- How will you spend your money now?
- What do you value more now?
- What do you value less now?
- Who will you spend more time with?
- Will you take care of yourself differently?
- Will you treat others differently?
- How will you give back/serve others?
I think there are many more things to ask in this line of questioning. And, just as important is the questioning of the answers that are given. An example could include an answer to the first question – “What will you do for work?” Maybe you stay at the same job. Maybe you lost your job and have to find a new one. Or, maybe you still have a job but realized something else about it and would like to seek something else, or follow a dream, or change your schedule, or any number of other modifiers. Asking what your purpose, basis or motivation is for any of the initial answers helps to narrow in the focus of those things that truly matter to you more, and to help you lead a more fulfilling life.
I knew that Reconnection is a story that is still being written, but like then, I know that we will be able to pull out of this in better shape than before.
I recently shared a meditation on loving kindness from the VIA Institute, and I’d like to include it here as well:
Find a comfortable space to sit quietly and take a few deep, restorative breaths.
Take a few moments to say the following statements to yourself and truly reflect on the meaning behind them:
May I be filled with loving-kindness.
May I be safe from inner and outer dangers.
May I be well in body and mind.
May I be at ease and happy.
Now, think of the people in your life that you love. Say the statements again, replacing “I” with “you” and imagine those individuals as you say each.
I would also recommend to continue out form there and say it again to include others in your community, country and around the world.
May you be safe. May you be well. May you be happy.