Smack in the middle of a new, relatively unknown world, my experience has been a mixed bag. Some of my tried and tested coping tools continuted to serve me well, and I’ve picked up a few new ones to find balance during isolation and facing the unknown.
During this time of COVID-19 physical isolation, some days I feel very calm and my heart is opening up with happiness. On other days I am filled with doubt, heaviness and general confusion.
Like during the most trying times, I am ever so grateful for my yoga and meditation practice. Yes, I get it, it’s not always easy to step onto the mat. I do also have to motivate myself on certain days. But during and after practice, I feel grounded and calmer, and I feel in my body. For me, this is a great antidote to the current “lack of knowing.”
I want to share with you some other coping tools and tips that I have found helpful in maintaing a sense of balance.
• Regularly talking to friends and family. Just because we can’t meet in person, we are still social animals and need each other’s company. Regular calls can be helpful, although when I’m feeling saturated, I will take a break. It’s okay to withdraw and enjoy the silence.
• Batching news consumption. Instead of checking the news every so often, I have taken to reading them once or twice a day. I still need to get better at this but I aim not to check the news just before going to bed.
• Finding ways to play. This can be difficult because most of us stay indoors, but you could also organize board game sessions with your friends online; pick up your long/forgotten guitar; or get more playful in your asana practice. Maybe do a laughing dog pose? (If you do, would you send a picture?)
• Getting sunlight and fresh air. Yes, we are still allowed to go outside in Hungary provided we observe certain rules. Have you noticed how beautiful the blossoming trees are? Pause and admire them and let that work its magic.
• Remaining creative. Whether it is repotting all my plants and digging into fresh soil (it is so healing in this unknown world!), or crocheting a hat, creativity nourishes my soul. Have you perhaps picked up a new hobby? It could be a good time.
• Listening to inspiring thinkers and teachers. I recommend the Resilience in Challenging Times series on Sounds True. It included this eye-opening interview with author and meditation teacher Michael Singer on how to live from a place of surrender.