Update & Check In
Dearest,
The last time I was composing a message to you, one week ago, I had hoped that I could continue to practice and connect in my preferred way. As you're likely aware, the reality of this commitment changed almost as soon as I pressed "send" and I was in touch to cancel our session if we had one planned this past week. This will be extended into the rest of March and, quite likely, beyond. I have had the pleasure of chatting with some of you and I would like to remind you all that I am still available should you have anything you would like to check in with.
Personally, I have been feeling everything from peace to fear, often in the same breath. It's been a very interesting experience to navigate and a practice in allowing flow. I've been surprised that the disruption isn't so much in my mind, but in my body. Intellectually, it seems easy to accept that this is happening because we are all in the same boat and there is much beauty coming out of the collective surrender. But the fear and the angst connected to this unprecedented event are showing up very primally in my body by way of passing headaches, nausea, shoulder tension and unpredictable punches of dread in my gut. Can you relate?
I invite you to take this time to check in with your body, as uncomfortable as that may be, and simply notice how it feels. We can talk about this at our next session or you can reach out with any concerns. Now is the time when our practices are being put to the test. I have been committed to myself this week in the following ways. Perhaps it may be helpful to share:
Practicing Yoga - I've subscribed to Gaia for some time and it's been an amazing touchstone this week. There are also many local studios and teachers offering online classes!
Time for Meditation - It can be 5 minutes or 50. If you're starting a new practice, the Headspace app is great.
Cleaning & Clearing the House - Spring cleaning is meditative this year. Sanitizing while also decluttering helps your space feel sacred.
Ritualizing Routine - Make the bed, keep your rise & sleep times, don't stay in your pj's! Approach your daily tasks with presence and reverence knowing you have lots of time to prepare your space as a comforting place to land at the end of your day.
Candles - We LOVE candles. But it's especially soothing now to light them now with intention.
Cooking - Take your time, eat whole foods, try a new recipe. Stress baking is real!
Zoom & FaceTime - I've just discovered Zoom, which gives you the ability to video chat with a group of people at the same time. Morning coffee with my friends (from Halifax to Australia) was so uplifting today. Social distancing doesn't have to mean complete disconnect.
Getting Outside - We've been hiking every day. The dog is SO exhausted. Make sure you honour today's new limitations (no regional or provincial parks or beaches) but don't discount the power of your own yard. It's amazing to realize what you miss in your neighbourhood just by walking through it.
Minimize Booze & Read a Book - This is just a blanket rule to appreciate the gift of imposed quiet and consider the downfalls of alcohol during such a tense time. As someone who doesn't drink but used to often over-indulge, I know it's common to imbibe in an attempt to relax. But remember, alcohol is known to increase anxiety and act as a depressant. Nobody wants the booze blues. This is the perfect space to make tea and read the book/watch the movie/take the online class you haven't had time for.
Be Productive - Doesn't it feel great to check something off the to-do list? Choose a task that meets your level of energy and take it on! I've been seeing folks staining their house and working on their yards. We've been getting the camper van out of hibernation early and preparing for our time on the other side of this. I've also got loads of school work which will feel good to accomplish. What would you like to achieve?
If you're doing something I'm missing and find it helpful, please feel free to contribute to this list! Lastly, I would like to add a plea for compassion towards our small business community. As you might assume, many of my closest relationships are with other self employed entrepreneurs. Most of my angst this week has been rooted in worry over their struggle. Halifax is so special in that its cultural fabric is made up of an eclectic weave of local artists, businesses and foods. Many years ago, when everyone was abandoning Nova Scotia for promises of riches in the West, the ones who stayed had to be very creative about making a living, unless they had security with a government position. As a result, we’ve ended up with a spectacular landscape of heart-based offerings that is unlike most other city centres. Many people have been moving their services online, offering delivery or promoting the benefit of gift card purchases for future use. They need your support. I ask you to please reflect on what a regular week looks like for you and consider how you can contribute to the businesses you frequent. Many fitness & yoga studios have moved classes online, restaurants are still providing take-out, coffee shops have gift cards and some counsellors have moved sessions to telephone. I'll add a list of wellness resources to check out but please know that there is still so much more out there.
Thank you for connecting with me here. It's been said that compassion is not the same as an act of kindness; true compassion is being present with someone and holding space to share their pain, thereby dividing the burden. I whole-heartedly believe this and find it quite difficult to be away from my office during this time when it can collectively be needed most. I am very much looking forward to getting back to work and sharing space with you.
In love & wellness,
Alicia