There is no doubt that we are living in an historic time – filled with fear and uncertainty. Life as we know it around the world has been turned upside down.
Much like the beginning of another world war, this is a war with an invisible enemy that brings death and destruction wherever it goes.
COVID-19 is cowering every country in the world.
Each of us is beset with daily challenges we did not chose: food and supply shortages, deficiencies in our medical delivery systems (lack of testing kits, equipment, hospital specialty units and beds, protection for our medical staff), financial chaos and loss of income and savings, closing of schools, work places, restaurants, gyms, entertainment events, Americans stuck in airport line with no protection trying to return home. Travel is restricted to “essentials only” and many are mandated to “shelter in place.” People are dying and becoming infected at a staggering rate.
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, I would like to offer some Holistic Recommendations for body, mind, emotions and spirit:
It is very important to mentally ground yourself with a belief that you are resilient, strong, flexible, and capable of riding out the storm
Implement the key concepts of the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”
Take hold of each day by establishing a structure for you and your family: Structure gives an ability to be in control of something and has a calming effect. Build in time for rest and sleep, work/study, exercise, preparing and eating healthy food, family time for discussions and bonding, play, connecting on line with friends and relatives, service to others in need, time in nature
Put a Positive Spin on the changes we are called to make:
- “Healthful Boundaries – instead of “Government Sanctions”
- “Return to Family and Nature” – instead of “Loss of Conveniences”
- “Self-Reliance” – instead of “Self-Isolation”
- “Finding the True Meaning of Life” – instead of “Loss of Profits”
- “Concern for the Whole World” – instead of “Only Our Country”
Remember that “Perfect Love casts out fear”: We need to love ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world.