Pros about these weird times:
-Having the security and privilege to work from home. I am so grateful, and sometimes guilty. Praying for our healthcare workers, and those who are out in the world daily.
-It turns out I like teaching yoga online!
- My cat has gotten to know me better. I can now touch his feet briefly without injury. If the moon is right.
-I eventually get my housework done faster and more often. Eventually.
-Introvert burnout is a thing of the past. No indeed, I cannot go out to the bar this evening or any other forever.
- More time for introspection, meditation, and movement.
-New house project productivity has been at an all-time high!
-Trying new recipes, and making pickles
-Collective Attention on social issues that must be changed: We are not free until we are all free.
Cons about these times:
-Knowing that many others are at risk, exposed, and underserved.
-This is scary!
- I prefer teaching yoga in person.
-Missing our loved ones, and distancing from them
-National and worldwide grief, the losses that continue daily. Feeling helpless.
-I mess up my cat's napping schedule often, he gives me the stink-eye.
-Anchor Yoga having to close its doors. It was as much of a home as a wandering teacher can have. I love it forever.
-I might cut my own hair. Should I dye it pink?
-Fear.
This is where I’m at today. How are you? I hope you’re doing well, or holding on as well as you can. Some days seem fine and easy, and some days are too heavy. What’s important is that the next day will come. To take care of ourselves and if we have energy, the people around us as best we can. It’s important to remember that although it’s been nearly five months, this is not normal. Day to day life should be softer, gentler, easier. We should be able to hug as needed. It would be surprising if your mental health was not some variation of a roller-coaster during these times. We do the best we can, with what we have.
Some practices that can help:
-Therapy, or talking things out with a supportive friend.
- Journaling (or scribbling swear words cathartically on notebook paper)
- Brushing your cat while wearing rose-tending gloves and goggles. Just kidding. About the goggles. You should probably wear the gloves. Maybe also the goggles.
- Spending time in nature, but not after you’ve touched Japanese Beetle bait: They will land in your hair.
-Connecting with loved ones in meaningful ways. Send a card, a photo, a weird gift. Tell the people you love that you love them.
-Wear costumes, weird hair styles, brilliant blue eyeshadow. Mask-friendly fashion is the new red lipstick.
-Yoga (or laying on a blanket). Meditation (or positive daydreaming). Exercise or movement that feels nutritious in the body (or napping). Use the modifications as needed. Do what you need to do to be kind to yourself. We’ll be doing a little bit of all three self-care options on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9-10:30 through Zoom. I love you. Hang in there.