In a survey of 1000 people from all walks of life, 58% say that the pandemic has changed their way of life forever. Nearly three-quarters (72%) said that they still have hope for the future.
I notice that I’m feeling subtly different over the last year. Perhaps, externally, those who know me will recognize nothing different other than a couple of extra pounds. It’s my internal monologue that is changing. I find that I have more patience with nasty drivers. I have more patience with waiting in line and on the freeway. When others behave badly, first I may have some snippy thought, then find myself asking ways that I might have done the same thing in the past. Gosh, I’m mellowing!

Also, as I have noted before, I got clear that I didn’t want to stay in Austin as it gets increasingly congested, with property taxes soaring. I began checking the house for needed repairs and did upgrades. I located a realtor, sold my house, and began looking for a home in San Marcos. I became comfortable with zoom clearing sessions, previously just a novelty for me.

In regard to changes, I read an article yesterday written by a woman who has stayed home for work during this time. She stated that she will never again agree to wear uncomfortable clothing such as underwire bras, tight jeans, or high heels. Hallelujah!

I suspect virtually no one has been left untouched after 12 months of such dramatic disruption. The loss of connection with other people, the restriction of movement, the anxiety regarding illness has impacted people around the world. While stress has spiked for most of us, therapists say that personal growth has, too. The pandemic is the great accelerant. A crisis of this scale can enable people who have been stuck to pull the trigger on major life decisions such as a marriage, a divorce, quitting a job, or a move. It has, for some, sparked a renewal in spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, and daily prayer.

A generous dose of empathy and understanding will bring us back together and make us stronger as we navigate this time. And as you move forward, remember that I am available to assist you with your stuck places.

Your Mood

You’re tired. I’m tired. We are tired of the covid-19 restrictions, anxieties and dangers. Last year, astrological sources had warned us about the volatility of 2020. And now, they tell us that August, September, and October will be the worst months in 2020 in terms of rising hostilities and chaos in the world. I am not telling you this to alarm you, but rather to alert you.

Facebook, NPR, and TV news have had a powerful role in exposing harmful things in this world. We have gotten a disheartening look at the racism, misogyny , and entitlement that were unseen. People are quick tempered. We are in a birthing process, with lots of intense birthing pains.

So how do we cope?

1. Make no major decisions until after October, although information-gathering is good.
2. If you can, avoid possible explosive situations, like family gatherings and office meetings that cover touchy subjects.
3. Take time each week to do at least one nice thing for someone else.
4. Be kind to yourself.
5. Pray and/or visualize the best outcome for our nation and the world.

We will get to the other side of this. However, we need to recognize and acknowledge the hidden toxic issues that have stunted our awakening process and the awakening of the nation. The state of the world is evolving, and we are moving toward a new, more conscious reality.

Uplifting Facebook Page

Have you “liked” my new facebook page, Compassionate Clearing? If not, please do so. I am filling it with uplifting posts and short, informational videos.
Favor to ask: Please begin marking the posts you appreciate with “likes” so that it can become a force for good on the internet at a time when many are feeling negative and/or frightened. Thanks.

Are you feeling mentally fuzzy or like you have a perpetual hangover? You could be emotionally fragile. Maybe you are struggling to stay financially afloat. You might feel very lonely. Experts like neuroscientist Hilke Plassmann say that we are experiencing real brain changes brought on by the trauma and uncertainty of the pandemic.

He states that, at uncertain times like these, our brain works differently. The prefrontal cortex is swamped with conflicting signals, impacting our analytical abilities. The brain scrambles to check its long term memory for comparable experiences. Not having answers, it looks outwardly for strong guidance on what to do next, with little results.

Add to that being sleep deprived and/or stressed, and the brain struggles with heightened sensitivity. Combining all of this produces Covid Brain. And, you are not alone. It is a problem much of the world is coping with at the moment.

Time and self compassion are important. It is worth devoting daily conscious attention to developing healthy mental habits such a meditation, connecting safely with friends, exercising, limiting exposure to the news, and playing music that is either upbeat or soothing.

Most useful is to look at this time as a catalyst for positive change rather than a threat. We cannot cure the ills and evils in this world unless they arise and show themselves, which they are doing. Stress can be a catalyst to promote clearer thoughts and to monitor negative thoughts. Let me know of any insights you have gained.