It’s time for an attitude shift. Nothing good is accomplished by focusing on the negative and worrying about things you cannot control.
It’s scary to think about what’s happening in the world right now, and disappointing and lonely to be stuck indoors for an extended period of time, but we know it won’t last forever. We’re doing all we can to stay safe, and in the end, all will be well. Remember, this too shall pass.
First of all, it’s time to end the anxiety and fear. There is no reason to relive the negativity all day long every day. We know what’s happening and what we need to do for the foreseeable future. Turn off the news, stop posting about it on social media, stop feeding the problem. Let’s move our attention to what we want to experience, and create a new reality for ourselves and the world. You cannot change what is by dwelling on the problem, so let’s stay positive and make the best of it.
Here are a few things you can do to improve the situation now, according to Rev. Kathianne Lewis of the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living.
1. Count your blessings.
Be thankful for all the great things you have in your life: your family, your friends, your home, your health, your freedom, the flowers, hot water, a comfortable bed, good food, chocolate, whatever makes you happy. Notice these things every day and actively feel grateful for them in your life. When you count your blessings, you will find that they multiply too.
2. Set your intention for what you want.
If you want health, don’t focus on disease. Have you heard the expression, “What you resist, persists.” Many refer to this as the law of attraction. You get more of what you put your focus on, so make sure you focus on things you want in your life. Stop thinking about, talking about and surrounding yourself with things you don’t want.
A great example of this I’ve heard is that Mother Teresa refused to be part of an anti-war march, but she would happily participate in a peace march. Be careful – thoughts are things. There are some different versions of this quote, but it goes something like this, “Thoughts become words, words become beliefs, beliefs become actions, actions become your reality.”
3. Be an epicenter for something good rippling out.
Keep the attitude that all is well and all shall always be well. Remember, your attitude is contagious. Be the light that shines for others. If we all kept this attitude, imagine the wonderful world we would live in.
4. There’s always a good in any circumstance.
You often hear people say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or “Every cloud has a silver lining”. The world is currently having a tough time. We are at home, isolated, perhaps with extra time on our hands. Don’t we often wish we had more free time? There is nothing you can do to change the outside world at the moment, so it’s time to make peace with the situation and find some good in it.
Have you seen the recent articles that have been circulating about Sir Isaac Newton? As a young man, he was forced to leave Cambridge University for a year during the plague, only to make some amazing discoveries, such as calculus and the law of gravity in his time away. In fact, this time in isolation has been termed his “year of wonders”.
Remember Newton’s example as we’re all stuck at home. Look upon this time as a gift, an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important in life and set new goals, a time to slow down and practice self-care, create better relationships with our families if we’re at home together, and connect with our friends who may also feel lonely. It’s also a great time to work on important personal projects, learn new skills and on professional development.
What good can you make of this current opportunity?
I’m working on some professional development – taking some online classes and reading. I’m incorporating daily morning meditations into my routine, and spending more time in nature. I’m fortunate to be spending this month on Bainbridge Island, very close to both the beach and forest, and I’m loving it.
How are you doing during this time of social distancing? Have you made peace with it? Do you have a plan for how you’re spending this time? Are you working on any projects? Send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.