As Covid keeps businesses and schools understaffed, closed, and in a constant state of flux, the arts again feel the pinch. Or, is it a gut-punch?
I found out today that an organization I adore working with and for did not receive a major grant it desperately needed for us to continue services at the current pace. This translates to a reduction of engagements for the clients and lost income for all contractors, including me.
And, my kids three best friends all have Covid. Super. They all hung out together last week. I sent them to school today wondering if I am doing the right thing. Sure, they tested. But, the tests are missing cases. But, our kids are vaxxed, as are the kids with covid. The covid-positive kids are feeling crappy, but they are not in danger of major illness or death. That is the promise of the vaccines, after all.
However, the data is not in yet on how this persnickety strain impacts anyone long-term. We won’t know definitively for a long time. In the absence of hard data and facts, there is so much emotion around every single decision right now.
I’m feeling crappy today, too. Is it a head cold or is it covid? I took a rapid test yesterday so I could safely work with others in a shared space - but, what if today is different? That seems to be the way of it - one day negative, one day positive.
Taking rapid tests to make myself feel better is a waste of resources if I don’t need to work with or be around others in shared physical space; so, I cancelled the hike with a dear friend I had planned for today and will just stay home, instead. If I experience ongoing symptoms or decline in any way, I’ll test again. Before I gather with anyone not in my family, I’ll test. I feel like I’m gaslighting myself here. GAH!
Perhaps this is sounding familiar? You, too?
Here we are… so, what do we do? I mean, what do we do to feel better and keep living? As in, living a life that includes pursuits of happiness, peaceful minds and hearts as we go through a day, and other people in our midst - from across the fire pit, perhaps?
I’m taking a page from my 8yo, affectionately referred to on the internets as #thing3. His teacher took a leave of absence for the rest of the year, effective immediately. We talked about how big and confusing his feelings are right now - because he loves his teacher and he’s worried about her. And, he misses her. And he doesn’t know the new teacher. And the new teacher is probably nervous, too. And, he just doesn’t want this change. Periodt!
After a tearful, frustrated response and release - including his declarations of not going back to school - he quietly thought about it for while. In the car on the way to school today he said, I’m going give my new teacher a try.
Try This:
Lay down on your back on the floor. Hard flooring sometimes feels nice. Need more support? Try a towel or yoga mat or anything that makes you feel good.
Bring feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, knees bent toward the ceiling. Feel your neck lengthen and jaw relax. Take a deep breath. Or several.
Make a pillow with your hands behind your head. Relax your elbows open - and feel your shoulders sink into the floor. Imagine more distance between your ears and shoulders. Take a deep breath. Or several. How much of the surface area of your arms, shoulders, and back body can relax into the floor while maintaining this shape?
On an exhale, shift the upper body to the right. Keep the sacrum rooted, only curve the spine - like the letter “C”. Breathe here. How much of the surface area of your arms, shoulders, and back body can relax into the floor while maintaining this shape? On an exhale shift to the other side. Repeat as often as you like, noting what releases and deepens with repetition.
Spinal twist variation: Gently drop your knees to the opposite direction of your curve. Relax the hips and breathe. Repeat to the other side.
Listen to your body. What do you notice? Have some water.
Here’s to giving it a try - whatever “it” is for you!
#walkwithjoy
Love, love, love. And Thing#3 is brilliant. (Good job mom and dad)