Time is fleeting. It has been two
months since any words made the page, except when my 19-year old cat had an
emergency and we ended up making several trips to the vet.
As we (most of us, minus all the incredible
essential workers tirelessly working during a pandemic) are all safe in our own
homes, I reflect on how we all need connection, especially when our
connections with others can only be made in words, calls and video
communications.
For weeks, I have thought of the
mental state of people and the psychological aftermath of COVID-19.
It’s at these times that the fear
monster thrives and feeds off our worries, sucks our energy to the point of
oblivion, making some of us apathetic, sad, anxious and desperate as if light
could not permeate the avalanche of negative thoughts. We are bombarded by the
daunting numbers and stories around the world. It's not easy.
Our minds are so powerful though. As
fast as our spirit can feel dimmed, our thoughts can navigate us to more
positive shores. We are the captains of our minds and we must accept the lack
of control we have towards the virus itself. The extent of our control is in our
actions of safety in quarantining, social distancing, washing our hands, using masks, and
following other guidelines. We must focus on the things we can do and how we
can wheel our actions to plant seeds of positivity.
The secret is focus. Focus on
gratitude, on what we have and make an extra effort outward to connect with our
loved ones virtually. When we focus on the love, the fear cannot penetrate. It
will die, just as one day so will this virus.
Take the time that you have to be and
to do, if so inclined. Remember to nurture yourself well: you have the chance
to feed your body with beautiful foods, hydrate and rest. If sleep is not
coming, try to quiet your mind with meditation, prayer, music and whatever else
calms you. For me, it’s diffusing my essential
oils, reiki and writing. Sometimes, I write just gibberish, other times, I do
create something with words. Sow masks to donate, as I just saw on Instagram Portuguese-American
actress Daniella Ruah do! I am a distant cousin of hers, according to my
mother. Unfortunately, I do not have her sowing talent. Paint or draw if you
love that. My friend Paula has the painting talent and her flowers on canvas are
just spectacular. Exercise, move, get some fresh air, whether it’s opening a window
or going outside responsibly. Make a call, connect, rearrange your closet or
your house. Cook what you have always dreamed of.
In the meantime, I wish you all the
best. If you shop online, make sure you leave the boxes outside and bring the
contents to disinfect before allocating them. Stay safe and stay home, if you
are not an essential worker. If you are an essential worker, I thank you for
all that you do. My heart goes to the families of loved ones who have been
affected by the pandemic. Remember, wherever you are, breathe. Do it again. Be grateful.
