This past week, in response to the pandemic, I have been spending nearly all my time sheltering-in-place, including working, living, and being with family. Here are three grateful lessons I am learning from living this new “normal” with COVID-19.
Grateful Lessons – 1. Be Mindful of the Essential
During the crisis, life is slowing down at the pace of the essential. We may be feeling worried or highly stressed or even on the verge of panic about our safety, our livelihood, our job, our work, or our family. There may be more significant worry about our extended family across the country and throughout the world. We may also be asking ourselves, “Do we have enough to survive and sustain through the crisis?”
Slowing down to the speed of mindfulness gives us the courage to face the essential work and helps us manage the stress from juggling the chaos that swirls around and within us.
Let us focus and choose that which keeps us alive and thriving. For now, keep in check the worry and stress. Trust that you are enough. Trust also, that together, we are enough.
Grateful Lessons – 2. Laughter is Good for the Soul
While working remotely, my team has a specific weekly meeting, a brief check-in on how we are doing with our workload. It is also a time to stay connected with each other amid our remote work.
During our check-in meeting this week, our team was testing a new feature together. The testing became a comedy of errors that had us all laughing to the point of tears running down our face. Our check-in was the best meeting of the week. The experience of laughing with one another was cathartic. It was just what we needed to help us relax for a moment and keep the perspective of our heavy workload.
Allow yourself to laugh, smile, and have fun throughout the severity of this time. It is soul-tending and heart-enlivening. Nurture your sense of humor and empower others to do the same.
Grateful Lessons – 3. Spring is Right on Schedule
I am mindful that Spring is still happening, even with a global crisis going on. The flowering trees, plants, shrubs, and nearly every blade of green is transforming and emerging into beauty. New life cannot be tamed right now. Nature is teaching us that life is finding a way to thrive.
Pay attention to the wonder of creation around you. In what ways does the creative act of Spring remind you of your inner beauty and goodness? And how do we share this grace with others even from a social distance?
Your Turn
Finally, I am aware of my heightened sense of gratitude throughout this new “normal” experience. Grateful for being intentional about mindset and actions toward how we spend our time, especially with family and loved ones. Thankful for it all.
Even within a crisis, new life is breaking forth. What new life is emerging within you right now?
I welcome your comments.
Recent Comments