I used to try to imagine what it would feel like to spend a whole month at home and never having to leave. No obligations. No one was disappointed because I chose not to attend their meeting, festival, conference, seminar, graduation, wedding, banquet, awards ceremony, you get my drift.
Covid19 has changed all these things for many of us nonessential folks. What I’ve learned from all this is that I’m quite the introvert. My happiest times this Spring were rainy days when I could flick the switch to our gas fireplace and nestle in.
Zoom has become a way of life and my new best friend for Rotary, support groups and family gatherings. Believe it or not, it actually gives me joy to think that I’ll never have to travel to another meeting again (although I will miss seeing my conrads and networking). Saturday Night Live did a wonderfully funny bit after the Covid19 reared its ugly head regarding new Zoom users where one participant took her laptop into the bathroom with her. (Find on Youtube.) I cannot lie–I laughed until I cried–thank you Covid19 for giving me yet another mini vacation of laughter.
This time has made me more conscious of what’s important. Life is fragile and very uncertain. Though it always has been, I’ve been lulled into thinking I’d eventually get to all the things on my to-do lists–hasn’t happened yet. So beyond my article writing, reconnecting with family and friends via phone or texting and even getting back into writing and sending more snail-mail BD, thinking-of-you cards as well as a weekly card to my sweet 5 year old granddaughter and what a joy hers are to receive! Beyond that, my community mask making mission and socially-distancing yoga continues and of course time being distracted and loved by our new Covid19 therapy doggy, Mocha.
I continue to be grateful to be healthy now that I’m keenly aware of just how significant that gift is. And I’m even grateful for my/our awakening to the inequalities that are reality for so many. In that vein–what a perfect time to get smarter on our particular ‘BLM’ (Black Lives Matter) revolution happening across our country with our wind-fall of extra time–lots of options to help us get smarter–however, it’s a matter of setting an intention to make that happen:
Here are films we can watch to gain a better understanding of why America is protesting, and to keep the conversation alive.
Selma (2014) …
I am Not Your Negro (2016) …
Do the Right Thing (1989) …
Just Mercy (2019) …
Get Out (2017) …
Moonlight (2016) …
Fruitvale Station (2013) …
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
People are also sharing resources to help others better understand the issues at hand and to learn how to be better allies to black Americans. Dozens of books, novels, films and TV series addressing the discrimination that people of color face have been circulating online. Some have been recommended by libraries like the Chicago Public Library and the Oakland Public Library. One Twitter thread of antiracist children’s books, shared by teacher Brittany Smith, went viral. Netflix is now showcasing TV shows, movies and documentaries addressing racial injustice and the black experience.
Meanwhile, let’s also take care of ourselves. I found an intimate and introspective journey towards inner healing on my free Insight Timer meditation app.on healing and self love. We can learn radical acceptance and self-compassion by following a daily practice. This one is called ‘Today’ by Renee Fesser:
“Today I will show up. I will show up for myself because showing up is a start. I will begin to nurture myself. I will begin to speak kindly–my inner voice will be gentle and kind. I can sooth the emotional storms.
“Today I will take a step forward towards the path of self love. This path is overgrown with thorns and negative thoughts. It is slowly being cleared. Now there is a small space–a place that is fresh and new. I will clear more debris and travel the path back to me, back to the beginning, back to that sweet child. I will nurture and praise her and heal those places and wounds.”
“Today I will begin with softness. I will caress the curves, the lines, the broken places. Today I will allow the tears to flow and wash over and renew. I will not judge those tears or question why or where they came from.”
“Today I will allow myself to be present, mindful and without judgement. Today I will show up for me. Today I will let go of anger, resentment, the couldofs, the wouldhaves and should haves. And as I let go, I travel the path back to me. Letting go of the sorrows and regrets. Letting go I come back to myself and celebrate the beauty and the love that I possess.“
More Covid19 humor: Remember when you were little and all your underwear had the days of the week on them? Those would be helpful right now!
One day at a time Warriors and let’s move forward with love.
