Be the Calm One On the Boat
Be the Calm One on the Boat
When the crowded refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked, all would be lost. But if even one person stayed calm, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.
–Thich Nhat Hanh
I want to make this a shorter post than usual. In fact when I started this blog 97 weeks ago, my mandate was to always write short weekly posts. We all know that this did not happen. But just maybe today I can make it work.
Here is the thing. We all know what we need to do. Most of us are doing it. And we are “getting it” that physical isolation doesn’t have to be social isolation, even though we miss the hugs. We can be curious and challenge ourselves to connect on line, and if you haven’t done it before, anyone reading this blog is well equipped to do so.
As days go by, however, this gets more personal. When one of our loved ones is in a locked down situation, such as a hospital, assisted living facility or long term care, and we are unable to be there, even at a safe distance, to provide comfort, solace and good cheer, we can despair. It is at this time that we come to need the kindness and care of strangers. And from what I am seeing, this caring is not in short supply.
There are people on the ground, helping hands that are bending over backwards for our loved ones. (for all of us) Covid-19 is on the rampage but never forget that kindness is also rampant. This corona virus does not have a monopoly on contagion. Kindness, calm, courage, resilience and resourcefulness are also contagious. We can happily spread those around.
Today, I have a few links to remarkable reminders as to why we need to continue to be stalwart team players and renew our efforts to observe the more stringent guidelines. One of those links is a plea by an infectious disease expert at the Nanaimo General Hospital. He saved my friend’s life 10 years ago and he has something important to say.
Sadly, I have five people close to me who have compromised immune systems. They know what to do to take care of themselves but their survival also depends on all of us doing the right thing. So I am a flag bearer for following the rules and encouraging all of us to go above and beyond the bare minimum.Every single thing each of us does counts! I am not talking about perfection but I am talking about Intention, Attention and Sincerity. With that in mind, we do our best, even when we make mistakes.
Notes:
Note 1:) It is important for you to know that I experience a multitude of joyful moments every single day. And I can also create those moments for others. Part of what we can do for each other is to point them out. As an example, this is my most amazing Mother with her 100th birthday greetings from the Queen. This photo was taken just before everything got locked down. Thank you Sheila.
Note 2:) One new thing I started this week was to attend a daily online meditation Sangha at 8:00 AM for 20 minutes. I am completely surprised at how beneficial this is. I had no idea that sitting with a group of mostly strangers on zoom could get my day off to a better start. Also, my friend Barbara, who suggested it, anchors her home exercise program to this meditation. As soon as she is finished at 8:20 she immediately does her exercise routine. For those of you who read my Tiny Habits post, this was the advice of BJ Fogg – Establish an anchor for the new habit that you want to create.
Note 3:) This is a reality check. It is important for all of us to be informed about what we are up against here. Science is better than politics for information. Here is the link to Dr.Forrest’s message. Please watch. It’s impressive. (about 7 minutes)
Note 4:) My friend and colleague Gregg Krech, from the ToDo Institute, wrote a beautiful poem this morning and I highly recommend it. It seems the perfect way to end my blog today. Thank you Gregg. “Beyond the Veil of Disappointment.“
Note 5:) I am doing a series of Webinars for Wellspring members starting next week. You can find out the details on Wellspring Calgary’s website. The first one is on Tuesday March 31st 1:00 -2:00 Calgary time and called Living well: With Things as They Are, What Can I do Now
Note 6:) Finally, dear, dear readers, take good care out there. Stay in touch with your friends. Reach out if you are lonely. Many thanks for showing up here. See you next week. Warmest greetings, Trudy (I see my blog post was shorter and my notes longer – sneaky, if you ask me)