Hope

Hi everyone, I am sorry I dropped off for a while there.

Needed the time and energy to process the changing scenario almost every single day since March!

What an emotional roller coaster it has been for everyone - no matter what age you are and it's not even close to over yet! I hope you find a little relief and solace in my words...

For the children - I can't imagine what they must have gone through to suddenly not be able to see their friends and teachers or pursue their favorite activities. Missing out big holidays and milestones like birthdays and graduations isn't easy as a child. So when they act up try to understand their perspective. Here is a link from CDC for more information and resources.

For the young adults- the job and economic scene has created enormous uncertainties. Goals that they might have worked towards for years must have vanished off the face of the earth. That can feel very defeating!

The older generation is so afraid that they are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. They are going to need a lot of support.

And some of us who are middle aged - already caught between the needs of young children and growing parents are so torn that they have documented almost 1 in 4 of women quitting their workforces to care for their families. Usual forms of relaxation and socializing have gone out the door and so has our peace of mind!

We are no closer to a vaccine and a "supposed" end to this nightmare! I

The election year and some egos are creating more havoc than I would like to talk about here.

All around a lot of craziness so I hope you are being kind to yourself and your loved ones too! feel every feeling and let it flow through you.

Learn to listen to your body and feelings and try to fulfill it's emotional needs too. Try to understand the underlying needs of the emotions not just for yourself but for others too. Self-inquiry and self-exploration can be stronger than therapy in my experience. Journaling, writing and meditating can help towards this.

Question every rule that you think you "have" to do and adjust accordingly. We have all been conditioned to think and act a certain way by our cultures and loved ones and now they are no longer relevant so there is a lot of internal turbulence which can be felt in the external world too.

Do activities that soothe the soul as often as you would like - long baths, massages, long talks with trusted loved ones, alone time with a soothing non-caffeinated and non-sugary beverage, healthy meals. Activities using your hands are supposed to be very soothing - knitting, crocheting, petting, cooking, any kind of art form, gardening can be very meditating.

Create a soothing routine with some daily rituals built in. Routines give us a sense of normalcy. Do take some time out to re-strengthen your self and recalibrate yourself so when the time comes you are ready to pounce on the opportunities. Do an inventory of your values and priorities and start making small steps towards them. Daily intentions and affirmations can strengthen them.

There are so many people who are having a hard time feeding their families so try to divert your focus towards them when feeling sorry for yourself.

I also remind myself that you grow when you face challenges or obstacles, so look at the current situation as stepping stones and not hurdles.

I have added some additional resources towards stress, finances, addictions and volunteering on my resources webpage. I have also added a list of my favorite authors if you want to stock up for this coming winter of short days.

In the end, do try to remember that for millennia this world has gone through famine, pandemics, natural disasters, financial upheaval, violence but eventually everything is overcome and peace does prevail.