I'm tired of the Covid-19 pandemic. I'd like it to be gone now. Oops---that is grasping for an outcome over which I have almost no control. (The only control I have is over my own behavior: stay home most of the time; wear a mask all of the time; create physical distance between me and others; wash my hands!)
The only real thing I can do about this historic event is to Be. Here. Now.
So, yes, we are still in the midst of this pandemic and it's not getting better. In fact new cases and more deaths are on the rise. I won't delve into the political decisions and culture wars that may be contributing to this situation, because wishing for all of that to be different is also grasping at something that is not our current reality. (Not to say we can't make our voices heard on the matter!) So, let's just say, I understand the realities. I am mostly accepting what is. I am aware of feeling sad, mad, and afraid, along with content and grateful. I breathe through those cycling emotions multiple times a day.
How is Yoga sustaining me? Well, our pranayama practice helps. That calming breath that is always available to us. Inhale, hold. Exhale, hold. Exhale breath longer than inhale breath to calm the sympathetic nervous system and access the parasympathetic nervous system. We don't need to fight or take flight. We just need to "be". Quiet. Calm. Patient. It's hard sometimes. And with dedication to the practice, it works.
My asana practice is also calming. Seeing the faces of familiar teachers and other students at the "online studio" is a balm to an aching desire (grasping again!) to be back to normal, gathering together at Yoga Circle. I practice gratitude for the technology available to us to meet and practice in this way. I love the feel of each pose, the familiar flow from one pose to the next, feeling my muscles strengthen, stretch, and relax. The final Savasana, or Yoga Nidra practice, brings me to a deeper sense of peace in the moment.
My Sutra Sister group helps too. Having met and spent 6 months together at our 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training last year (our one year graduation anniversary was yesterday) a small group of us decided to continue to meet and support each other in our yoga adventures as new teachers. Some of us teach classes; some do not; some teach in other ways; all of us have grown closer both in person at first and now on a regular Zoom meet up, continuing to support each other in Yoga and all things "life", including how to navigate this challenging time. Friendships need to be nurtured with special care during this time of physical distancing and staying home -- we are doing that.
My husband had total shoulder replacement surgery earlier this month, so we are walking the healing path together. We've begun to see our extended family on occasion, trying to take advantage of these summer months when outdoor activities (still masked, physically distanced, and hand sanitizer at the ready) are safer than sharing indoor air. I want to hug my grandkids with a palpable longing -- but we have a little ritual of wrapping our arms around ourselves and saying we are hugging each other with our hearts.
I have grown curious about how others are dealing with this strange and terrible worldwide event. Why do some handle it with nary a care while others are perpetually frightened? How do some maintain a sunny outlook while others are angry and resentful? How have some deepened relationships with friends and family while others have pulled away or feel isolated and alone?
I'm on a quest....stay tuned for more on this next month when I delve into my current twin passions: Yoga and the Enneagram!
Namaste, donnajurene
