A Missive on Covid-19
Dear Friends,
I just thought of checking in with you to express my sentiments and hoping that you are all coping well with this global pandemic that is COVID-19?
It is definitely not an easy time, it is very unsettling. At its core, it shakes up our very foundation as a human being. It is disruptive. It sure raises anxiety, uncertainty, and fear because of its magnitude.
Meanwhile, back home in the Philippines, my Dad is selflessly risking himself by his leadership in the community. He cascades to the grassroots, his constituents, and enforces directives from the government. But, he loves his job and is stubbornly dedicated to his cause. I adore and love him big time. This, however, keeps me up most nights at the onset of this pandemic.
In this context, I would like to share with you how I spent my day in isolation yesterday. I landed on a webcast by Craig Hamilton about Spiritual Awakening. He has this calming voice that seemed to ease my growing anxiety from what is happening around us. I’ve written notes to capture some of the very profound truths that he shared.
In the midst of this chaos, it can be challenging to stay centered. It is easy to lose oneself in fear. COVID 19 is so unknown. Last week or two weeks to some, we are living normally, enjoying our vacations abroad, training hard for the summer Olympics, or the hockey league, preparing for a wedding or a birthday party, planning a trip for the family for spring break, planning a business meetup, etc. Then all too suddenly we are required to isolate. No hugs nor kisses. Stay 3 meters away. Working from home is enforced. Communities are locked down and so on. Not knowing, however, is a more powerful place than knowing. By letting go of the need to know, it enables us to attune to our wisdom within, it enables us to think clearly. The truth about us humans is that disruptions tend to open the door to new growth, new potential and a radical transformation to a whole new light of our creativity.
Then comes the spiritual awakening. To have equanimity. To be equanimous is a fundamental positivity for whatever happens. It requires a steady powerful presence that is deeply anchored in this infinite center, this profound depth. To be equanimous also means that we surrender the need to control outcomes. Just like water that flows downstream, we can change fluidly with life. Sometimes the water bumps into rocks or bushes or in life may be some uncomfortable truths. When we surrender, we break up our rigidity and just flow. Surrender should not be misinterpreted as a failure or giving up. Surrender just means letting go of our compulsion to control. Surrender to that part of yourself that knows you could be dealing with more and better. There is a longing of wanting to be expressed to be the better version of yourself.
In our isolation or wherever and however we are coping with this pandemic, we can ask ourselves these questions: How do we get stronger in the face of breakdown? What new capacities can we develop? Who is more impacted than me and how can I help? “Communities” are growing as a result of this sudden isolation. On Facebook, Get down with the lockdown is an example, Caremongers is another one and many more. We may be physically away from each other but closely connected in a collective spirit of community and innate affection for our fellow men.
As we ponder on these questions it is my prayer that we meet life as someone resting from a deeper place in ourselves.
Take care and here’s extending my love to everyone.
Lani
