Moved to tears at how people all over the world have shown resilience, strength, creativity, and kindness towards each other in these extraordinary times, I started this newsletter intending to leave you with words of encouragement. Yet as I was writing, I became deeply unsettled. After closing my laptop and sitting with this feeling for a while, I realized that I was not acknowledging the feelings of anxiety that are also with me. Organizations and businesses send newsletter with assurances and compassionate words - yet unending news streams show increasing tallies and each day I talk to people young and old who are struggling to deal with this new reality. How do we respond, how do we move forward? Different countries are adopting different kinds of measures. I grief for lives lost, lives in danger, lives suddenly isolated, and lives severely interrupted - as much as I find a blossoming hope for a changed future of mankind and a relief that for a while life on our planet gets a chance to breathe again. I stand 100% behind measures that prevent overloading the health care system and it also makes me feel well … distant, disassociated. Managing my conflicting emotions and staying with the present moment requires a huge effort. With no clear short term end in sight, a new way of life cannot but emerge. During that transition time, most of us will have to find a way to deal with anxiety and a profound sense of dis-ease.
And then my sweet partner and I take the dogs for a walk and find beauty and gratitude again. In whatever present moment you find yourself - reach for gratitude! Gratitude can be found in the most significant and in the most seemingly insignificant moments in your life - it changes your heart and mind. Maybe then also bring into those moments a beginner’s mind and your natural curiosity - without guilt about momentarily leaving behind the feelings of dis-ease because others suffer. Gratitude and curiosity heal us and bring us together, which is what we need now more than ever now. What we can do is meet each moment, with all its contradictions, with support and compassion. Do the things that are good for you: eat healthy food as much as you can, breathe fresh air, hydrate, play, consume media in a measured way, exercise, sing, dance, walk, connect with others, rest when you can - and find time to meditate. If you’re reading this newsletter you are already interested in meditation and the benefits it can provide. Befriending your mind and body will soothe your nerves and reduce anxiety. As you practice meditation, your immune system will be supported to help fend off diseases as stress levels are reduced and you will be able to hold on to a more positive attitude toward life. Exactly what we’re reaching for always, but especially now.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” (Victor Frankl)
- Summer Meyer
CEO Imagine Mindfulness
