Coronavirus thoughts
I’m sure you all have been reading plenty on COVID-19 including reactions, policies, new findings, and updates. Everything has happened so quickly with this, more quickly than I think anyone could predict, and it all feels surreal. As I write this, our county has issued a shelter-in-place order effective at midnight, meaning that we can only leave our homes for essential activities. No shopping for pleasure, no haircuts or nail appointments, no dining out, and no hanging with friends or socializing with those outside of your household, no gyms or yoga studios. As a result of these new policies, businesses are temporarily closing leaving many at best, working remotely, and at worst without income.
I’m concerned about how this will affect our economy, especially small businesses. I’m concerned about the mass hysteria, fear, chaos, and ungrounded reactions I’ve already seen too much of swirling all around. I’m afraid for my parents, who are both over 65, and as a pregnant woman, I now find myself thinking from the perspective of a mother and how scary it would be to have a new baby born during this time, or to have to figure out childcare in reaction to the sudden closing of all schools indefinitely. There’s so much uncertainty right now, and uncertainty always triggers anxiety.
Of course, there are also good things like the stories of how people are coming together to support one another, or how the government is stepping up to potentially pause foreclosures. I’m also grateful for the uninterrupted quality time I’ve been spending with my husband since all outside activities have been cancelled. I’m grateful for my health and my family’s health. And I’m reminded of how even amidst what seems all bad, there is also always some good.
Balance is such an important concept in all areas of life, and I think it’s important in this situation as well. I’m trying to maintained a balanced reaction to COVID-19, one that takes the risks into consideration and takes appropriate precautions like washing hands, and avoiding certain places, while also maintaining a grounded, level-headed state. I’m concerned but I also don’t want to live my life in fear or allow fear to dictate my actions and behaviors. I’m continuing to practice the routines that keep me grounded like daily meditation, walks, yoga, and gratitude journaling. I’m continuing to observe my emotions and my reactions and when I find myself becoming ungrounded I try to practice the self-care needed to bring be back down again. My hope is that all of you stay safe, stay healthy, stay calm, and continue to be led by love rather than fear. I wish that for myself as well. Thank you for being a part of this community.