Connection in an Age of Uncertainty

There are many unknowns in the world right now. In fact, it feels like there are more unknowns than knowns. Even those of us who feel comfortable in the grey, nuanced areas of life feel shaken; nothing like a pandemic to show us how little control we have. 

Many of us are practicing social distancing as a way to care for people and the world. This might feel cozy and restful, or isolating and stressful--maybe it feels like a mix of both depending on the moment. Connection within ourselves and with others can still happen in the midst of uncertainty, and perhaps now is an even more important time to cultivate it. 

Let's begin with connection within ourselves. Many of us feel our internal landscape on high alert in fight or flight mode. Maybe you feel frozen with fear. I invite you to take a deep breath, and take a moment to be still. You can do it now even as you read this. Breath deeply and feel the air fill your lungs; hold it for a moment if it is comfortable. Breath it out slowly. Patiently. What are you feeling? Where in your body are you feeling it? Your chest? Your stomach? Are you holding tension in your jaw or your shoulders? Whatever you are feeling is okay. Valid. There is space for it. This is hard. And, you can do hard things. You are loved.

From this space, the space of breath and connection with ourselves, may we reach out to others. Send a note. Order a gift card from a local business and send it if you have the financial means. Send a text, or FaceTime a loved one. 

We belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

This season is tough, dear ones. It will end, but we will all be changed from it. Our world will be changed. Please be gentle with yourself and with others as we navigate it. We will get through it--together--even as we intentionally stay apart for a time.