DEAR FRIENDS,
By now, you’ve heard about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and its impact on world health. While the news media is filled with sensational stories designed to grab your attention, the virus is real and you should take appropriate precautions based on the best data out there, including frequent, effective hand-washing, staying home if you’re sick, avoiding close contact with others, and covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze, among others. Visit the CDC website (or WHO) for the most up-to-date information.
"But COVID-19 isn’t the only virus that’s spreading. The anxiety “virus” is also spreading quickly through a phenomenon known as social contagion. We hear about worst case scenarios in the media, see the impact on the stock market, and discuss what could happen with family, friends, and coworkers. This extreme level of uncertainty gets passed from person to person at the speed of sound, driving up anxiety to panic levels. If you or a loved one is dealing with anxiety… know that you are not alone.”
Today we find ourselves experiencing life in a world that is dealing with a viral attack of unprecedented proportion and far reaching effects globally. The media supplies us with plenty of exposure to victims worldwide. The situation is terrible. I know that it helps me to focus on the stories of the heroes: local heroes on the front lines in healthcare, those supplying us with food, water and personal necessities; and many, many teachers, professors and others who offer free or low cost online programming and support systems locally and throughout the world. Families and friends are coming together to support one another. Yes, many are without work. But, did you know that Amazon is hiring 100,000 people?
And yes, I am anxious. Dr. Jud gives us information about how our brains react to anxiety. I know that following Dr. Jud’s advice and learning more about how my brain works, has helped me begin to manage my anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. Short moments of practice many times a day.
Jack Kornfield (link here) and Richard Rohr (link here) offer two beautiful reminders of the power of lovingkindness and faith.
Lori and I are here to offer support and information - as listeners and coaches.
For some, mindfulness and healthy eating will not be quite enough support for you. If you find you are in need, please let us know and we will direct you to someone who will give you further support.
We are helping to contain the virus by staying home. Here are my top five up-sides to this situation:
I can sit down and eat breakfast :)
I am grateful to have more time to reach out to family, friends and my community. I have an excuse to talk with my children more often!
I am able to clean out my closets and the attic.
I am happily able to take a walk instead of going to the gym.
I am finally able to keep a journal and note daily, with gratitude what brings me joy.
"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Galations 5:22-23
"Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: is it True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?"
Lord Buddha
Stay safe and be well,