Finding Inner Strength in the time of Coronavirus
It is taking me time to process the extent of the situation we are all going through. Every so often, throughout my life, I get waves of insight into the movement of the subconscious collective tide. Over the past couple weeks of “lock down” I have not had the capacity to open and allow this flow to enter my awareness. Instead I adopted the rigid mindset of “Stay Positive. Keep calm and carry on.” While this is helpful during times of extreme stress and uncertainty, it can also act as a suppressant to all of the complicated emotions, thoughts, and feelings that naturally come during trying times.
Over the past couple days, aided by the movement of our moon, calming my mind through meditation, and taking time to be still and listen my perception has opened allowing me to see more clearly. While I am not the most eloquent when it comes to expressing the inner workings of my mind in a linear way, I will relate it to C.S. Lewis’s wonderland. It is almost as if when this pandemic started we all at a piece of the magic mushroom. Since doing so we have been falling down the rabbit hole for the past couple weeks, faced with familiar and strange scenes as we free fall through the darkness. Over the past couple days, many of us have reached the bottom of this twisted tunnel with a thud. We now are faced with getting our bearings on this new uncomfortable, yet oddly familiar world. As our breath deepens and heartbeat slows we realize it feels more still here.
Here is what I’ve come to understand about this place: It is up to you and I to decide how we will walk within this space. We all have the choice to embrace the uncertainty that is present and usher in a renewed sense of purpose and connection to one another and to our earth. Through great loss, tragedy, and darkness it is those who find strength within that are able to rally and begin walking forward when all the roads have been washed away. We all have this strength within us, but some of us will allow it to overcome our fears and in turn it will inspire others who’s fear is blocking their way.
In order to summon this strength, we must accept what is happening and allow for great healing to occur. I see the powerful tides lapping at the shores of our collective unconscious as I write this, but each individual must make the choice to release their grip on fear and wade in. It is scary. It is dark. And I know we are all faced with different battles and fears at this time. But, it is crucial that we do not hide behind facades of forced positivity and manic productivity. Nature is asking us to slow, shelter, and heal individually so we can come together with greater purpose and love as to shift our trajectory of existence on this earth.
While it can feel overwhelming if you allow this potent healing to take root during this time, I promise that if you choose to fight it and ignore what is being highlighted in your awareness right now that the trip will continue to get harder and darker until you release your grip and make space for what needs to happen. I feel the collective pain within myself and in the world around me. Yet still, I decide to head out into the inky dark waters alone with only a dusty old board at my side knowing that while I may have to ride this one out alone, we are all in this together. So come on in, the water is fine, and know that in our hearts we flow as one.
I love you all so much and have already seen this transformation taking place in those willing to take the leap, myself included. I write this in hopes that anyone who is feeling alone or confused as to why seemingly unrelated traumas or anxieties are surfacing at this time need not let fear overcome you. It is a natural response to the times and is simply shining light on our darkest shadows so they can receive kindness, love, and healing. The best way to begin this process is by being open to it, allowing yourself to be inquisitive, and releasing any judgements for how you are feeling. Enter this space as Alice did Wonderland and you will learn so much about yourself and this new world.