Novel Ways for Scary Times

We need novel ways to look at the unique health crisis upon us. The graphs of the spread of Covid-19 in this country and others scare me. Today after watching an online lecturer outline the spread of the virus I got chills and ran to take my temperature. It was normal. The guidelines to curb the spread of the virus that have become commonplace are important (essential) to continue to follow – social distancing, washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, etc.

But I’m yearning for a balance to the fear that consumes me when I hear about this unknown disease and what it will mean to all of us. I am hungry for spiritual guidance and a different perspective that sheds light on global and personal significance. Friends are sending me poems that help to calm the churning waters of my Spirit. They harmonize my disorientation, confusion and fear with hope, deeper understanding and patience. I am going to share them with you one at a time. Today is a writing by Lynn Ungar on 3/11/20.

“Pandemic”

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

 

As the situation changes our attitudes need to change in ways that take us deeper into our souls and closer to our Source. Today I bought pansies that I will plant tomorrow. I’m excited to feed them and watch them grow and burst with color – red, yellow, white and so many shades of purple – outside of my window. I am not ignoring the pressing challenges that face us such as the financial stress, how we spend our time at home and find the willpower to be productive when inertia looms over us or how to connect with people when isolation begs loneliness. Just remember that there is another side to this. There is always another side. Listen to when it shakes you up. Feel it. Let it change you. As you offer compassion to others you will be nourished.

Share. Share. Share, please!

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