John Muir once said,
"When we try to pick out anything by itself,
we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
If the current state of the world does not prove that what happens in any part of the world affects then entire world and that we are all interconnected and interdependent, I am not sure what does.
Right now we are in uncharted territory, this extraordinary time calls for mindful measures. We are being called to act on behalf of not just ourselves but the whole of humanity. We are being called to step forth and act from our highest self, lead from a compassionate heart, and align with our deepest integrity. But what does that look like? And how do we move about life, feeling the feelings we have, providing for and protecting ourselves and our loved ones while remembering we are all in this together? I'm not sure. But the one thing I do know is that practice can help bring us to the present moment, to feel what is real and true then & there, to see things more clearly & broadly, and to connect to what is most meaningful in our lives. From there we can proceed forward.
The US surgeon general said,
‘If we all pitch in for 15 days, we can flatten the curve’.
But for many of us the thought of self-quarantine or isolating ourself is less than appealing. I recently heard on person describe it as "being a prisoner in my own home". And it may feel and seem that way for people who are used to being out & about and free to go & do whatever they want to whenever they want but most of us are fortunate enough to have the world at our fingertips via the internet, food, ........
With so many companies asking their employees to work from home and so many businesses closing leaving so many people with lots of time of their hands the question becomes- How will you best use your time? This may give so many a chance to rest and recover, disconnect to re-connect, to learn & grow, to organize and get grounded, and to practice and play. Here a few things to do with some of that time at home:
- Cook or bake from scratch
- Learn a new hobby
- Take a free online course from a major university
- Read that book or two or three that’s been waiting for you on the shelf
- Listen to one of the thousands of podcasts out there
- Watch a Broadway Play online
- Sing - put on your favorite music and belt out some tunes.
- Dive into a home project you’ve been putting off
- Do some Spring cleaning
- Clean out a closet ... or your entire home.
- Remember or teach yourself how to play
- Create a mandala practice
- Make a Visionary Collage
- Spend your lunchtime doodling with illustrator Mo Williams
- Dust off those card and board games
- Have Josh Gad (the voice of Olaf from Frozen) read a book to you & your child
- Get outside with the kiddo and have fun while learning
- Go OG, do a crossword puzzle or sudoko
- Travel the world from your living room...
- Take a virtual tour of museums around the world
- Take a virtual tour of many of our national parks
- Visit the Georgia Aquarium
- Gift yourself some downtime
- practice the art of lolly-gagging, daydreaming, and napping.
- put on a record and do nothing but lay around, eyes closed and LISTEN.
- Create a virtual community gathering: book club, happy hour, gratitude group.
- Journal: write about what there is to be grateful or record your own personal history of these trying times.
- Keep your Immune system healthy - get plenty of sleep, beyond that dedicated rest, move your body, get fresh air, keep yourself hydrated, and eat healthy food.
- I’ll say it again, get outside to play, explore, and move your body.
Keep scrolling to find links to all many of my suggestions above.
May you be happy,
May you be healthy,
May you ride the waves of your life with skill and grace,
May you know peace no matter what life's circumstances.
Many Blessings,
Michelle ❤︎
