As my sewing machine and I get more comfortable and in the flow of mask making for my family and community, I am reminded of both new and many similar gratitudes that I have moving forward regarding our elephant in the room:
I have acquired new mask-making friends in our community, learned of a system for collecting completed ones as well as finding supplies as needed on our Facebook page: “RC Stitching For a Cause”.
Gov Cuomo’s stellar leadership has provided consistent strength, honest communication and a common-sense path forward (he’s been given the title by some of “America’s Governor”)
Dr’s Fauci and Birx for keeping us updated daily on the scientific aspects.
No need to be concerned about facial/granny hair plucking because realistically, who can really see you 6 feet away and now especially with masks–we’re covered–so to speak
We adopted a 2 year old Beagle (Mocha) into our home from our local Humane Society–what a joy she is and she’s a big help for both of us getting more steps in our days (might even strap that pedometer to her for a change).
Some great viral humor: “So, after this quarantine–will the producers of ‘MY 600 Pound Life’ just find me–or do I call them–or how will this work?”
The following was recently presented by Lee Cowin on the CBS Morning Show to help us put a few things into perspective:
“Let’s talk about what we know that is on everyone’s mind. And no, the world is not ending, but our big blue marble sure feels a lot more fragile than ever. As we sit here, countries, time zones and zip codes are all blurring into a single global community,
What used to worry us almost feels embarrassingly trivial. We cared more about ‘likes’ on social media than our social responsibilities. We were concerned about streaming our movies not the lines of homeless streaming out of shelters. We tended to look at our phones more than one another. In fact, we were socially distancing without even knowing what that really was not so long ago. Isn’t it strange that we are all craving human connection now that we can’t have it for a while? The joy of breaking bread with friends, raising a glass at the bar or kneeling together in worship has been replaced with empty chairs and empty pews.
Those in their golden years who thought they had seen everything never thought they had seen the day when they could visit with their kids or their grandkids all because a reassuring hug might put them at risk. Even the loved ones that have died can’t come together in any great numbers to mourn–how do we quarantine tears?
But in all this separation, we are still connected with what our better angels are whispering–we truly have to go out of our way to be uncaring in these uncertain times. For once, the road to kindness and compassion is actually an easier one. We can now see the plights of our neighbors, the bus driver or the cab driver–anyone who had been forgotten–all views that used to be obscure due to the hustle and bustle of lives before. For anyone wanting a reset to get back to what matters most–the heart of the human condition, this may be that moment. A test to see if love really does conquer all. So no, the world does not end–instead, we just might be getting a new start.”
In addition, to calm our spirit–here’s a short meditation by Rev Cindy Paulos on Insight Timer that I found empowering during these challenging times:
“Dwell in Peace, for in the ease of being in Peace is the core of strength, security and freedom. Take a moment and let go of trying, let go of stress and fear, and just dwell in that peace, beloved. That moment of peace is here, experience the stillness that is a resource for our soul’s pure energy–it’s there and floats amid the raging waters of the world–that resource from body, mind and soul–from the very source of all. Dwell in that precious peace within–a peace beyond the cage of control–a peace that dissolves the insanity of illusions when seeking to be better than all. So stop and be still and come to that center within. Find that peace that passes all understanding and dwell in this perfect peace again. Breath in this peace and let go of all illusions, let go of all stress in this place of peace you dwell in my friend–you can find the perfect place of rest.”
PS: I’ve been impressed with how many Coronavirus meditations regarding stress, etc. are available on Insight Timer now…check it out!
Bottom line: All of us have a social responsibility to each other–in fact, we don’t have the right to do anything otherwise. Socially distance–however, spiritually connected. And let’s be gentle with ourselves along the way, Warriors.