Dear Ones,

I know that many of you are anxious about your health and about money. It is indeed a stressful time with the order to “shelter in place” and possibly, your inability to make money at this time. Famous people are contracting the virus, making us feel more vulnerable.

I listen to NPR on the radio regularly while cooking and cleaning the kitchen, and also in the car. What I have noticed is that there is nothing else being discussed but COVID – 19. It is wearying, and I quickly decided I do not have to listen to every little detail. It does nothing to lift my spirits.

It is tempting to be out and about when we have been instructed to practice social distancing, and many feel trapped inside. The fear and anxiety is a drain on us. Even those of us who are experiencing caution instead of fear are still feeling it from others, especially those of us who are empaths.

But does it have to be that way?

In my opinion, for those who don’t have the virus, there are many silver linings, in this Covid cloud. Take a look:

1. How about silence? I am loving the quietness of the neighborhood. It is easier to meditate at this time. As a sound sensitive, I am grateful to be able to embrace the silence. It gives me time to actually listen to my thoughts and do “course correction” where necessary. Oops! Did I just hear myself say something nasty about the current administration? Time to remember my power to bless us all. We also have time for deep reflection. Silence is good for overall physical health and well-being. It can be a great time of personal power as we connect with our spiritual selves.
2. More time and space for creativity. So, pick up that project that you were working on ages ago and finish it. For me, that is my crazy quilt. Employing our creativity can actually bring us back to happiness and satisfaction.
3. Writing.  (a) I have been writing love letters to friends and family. Nothing huge, but just telling them how important they have been in my life, and gratitude for their contributions to the world, be it kindness, innovation, cheerfulness, helpfulness, or generosity. Many years ago, a spiritual teacher encouraged us to write one gratitude letter per day – two or three lines. I did, and it kept me looking for the good in others. People often told me my cards meant a lot to them. This is one way to spread encouragement.
   (b) This is a good time to write down memories for future generations. The world is changing so fast. Our grandchildren will not know that we often played ball in the street, that we didn’t lock our doors or our cars, that most of us went to church regularly, that we watched black and white movies, and there was usually only one movie playing at a time at the theaters. People sat on their front porches and called out greetings to those walking by.
4. Reading. So many books, so little time. If you don’t have any, ask a neighbor to put a couple of favorites out on her/his front porch for you to borrow. Later, you can have a phone discussion about it.
5. Cleaning, organizing and straightening closets, pantries, shelves, and bathroom vanities. The outcome always gives pleasure.
6. Be kind to others. During WWII, when many went hungry, a young girl had been waiting in line to pick up her share of bread. As she walked out, she slipped and dropped it in the mud. She began to cry, as it was her one and only meal. An elderly woman approached and tore her own piece of bread in half and gave it to the girl. We can do this, too. Do you know elderly people in your neighborhood? Offer to do shopping for them.

What are you doing that is special and different? How are you taking advantage of this extra time? I would love to hear about it.