Wow. What a moment we’re living through. There’s darkness, for sure, but also many rays of light. I hope you are managing through these early, scary days and trusting that we will emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than before and clearer about how we can move forward, both personally and collectively.
I recently attended the annual Wisdom 2.0 conference in San Francisco, which I call the "Lallapalooza of Mindfulness." It was a feast of ideas on how to be mindful and present in today’s non-stop world. But then, the world stopped, and it's clearer than ever that we need all the wisdom we can get.
I’ve been consuming tons of information and listening carefully for insights and guidance to help us survive and, dare I say it, thrive during these crazy times. Here are 10 ideas – plus a bonus tip – for managing through the coronavirus situation. I hope these ideas resonate with you in the days and weeks ahead. If they do, please forward this email to anyone who might benefit.
With love and hope,
David
Take good care of your body: As I often share with clients, nothing is more important for moving forward than a foundation of good physical and mental health. Now, more than ever, it is essential that you eat well, drink lots of water and exercise. Here are a couple of good overview articles on staying healthy during this time, one from Time and one from the American Society on Nutrition.
Never underestimate the power of your own breath: Life begins with your first breath. And when it comes to stressful times, you can always find a powerful anchor by working with your breath. I suggest starting and ending each day by taking three deep breaths, each followed by a long exhale. If you feel stress during your day, simply stop what you're doing, close your eyes, and breathe deeply three times. Check out this excellent article describing 6 different breathing techniques to relieve stress.
Reframe your challenges: I love the art of the reframe, and now is the ideal time to practice changing your point of view to turn challenges into opportunities. I recently posted an article laying out 10 powerful ways to shift your focus from negative thinking into positive, by tapping into the powers of connection, creation, service, and elevated awareness. Check out these wise insights, and put them to work for you.
Stay connected to those you love (and like): It's incredible to see how we are finding new ways to connect during these days of social distancing. So now is your time to organize or participate in whatever virtual experiences compel you. Exercise classes, cocktail parties, working groups, movie watching, meditations, how-to classes and so many other virtual events are popping up. My favorite way to connect 1:1 is to record a personal video message on my phone and text it to whomever I’m thinking about. Give it a try.
Know your priorities and build structure around them: Most of us are operating under a different structure or setting than we're used to. Being clear on your priorities for each day will reduce stress and keep you feeling a sense of forward momentum, even if you are physically stuck. At the end of each day, make a short list of your top priorities for the following day, including 'by-when' and 'with-whom' for each item. Having a short list in place helps you move into your evenings with calm and wake up in your mornings with clarity about the day ahead.
Create and stick with meaningful rituals: Never underestimate the power of a ritual. If there is an action that gives you meaning, peace or value, commit to it and do it regularly. I’ve shared before that my morning ritual – meditation, lower back stretch, coffee, NYTimes – is the foundation of my day. Rituals are especially important in the morning, in the evening, and at mealtimes. I loved this piece and this one on setting rituals to power your day.
Express and Capture Gratitude: Even, and especially, in tough times it is important to be grateful for what you have. I recommend speaking aloud and writing down your gratitude, because the physical manifestation makes a bigger impact on you and on others. I especially love the 5-Minute Journal, a physical book that provides 3 questions to ponder at the beginning and end of each day. They'll help frame your days in the most positive and powerful ways. Purchase here or at Amazon.
Listen … Notice. .. Be Curious: There has never been a more powerful time to tap into your senses and listen to what the universe is telling you. Which people are you being drawn towards? What are you hearing and seeing differently in these changed times? What stories are moving you? What are you afraid of? What is filling you with joy, and what is leaving you drained? Let your awareness work on your behalf in the coming weeks.
Organize/Tidy Up: Getting organized is the bane of our existence. So take the extra time (if you have it) and the requirement to shelter-at-home as an opportunity to organize your email and digital life, to clean that closet, and to get rid of things that take up too much room or don’t make you happy. I liked this piece on decluttering your digital life and this piece on organizing your home.
Serve. Serve. Serve. This is a powerful time to look outside of yourself and think about what you can do to serve others. Acts of service feel great, and over time, they are a powerful pathway to creating opportunity. Think about how you can put your skills, experience and passions to work in support of others. Read this article to learn about Mutual-Aid networks and how you can help where you live. I promise that the more you serve during this period, the richer you will emerge when the crisis is behind us.
And finally, reach out. I am available to support you in this time, and I encourage you to reach out for any reason. If you’d like to discuss your concerns; share something beautiful (or challenging) that you’ve experienced; check in on your sanity; discuss a new idea; talk through your future vision … whatever it is, I’ll make the time and I look forward to connecting. And if I am not the best resource for what you want or need, I’ll try to find one for you.