Quarantine Pondering

Strange times - new opportunities

As we find ourselves in these peculiar times - riding the waves of emotion, movement mixed with stillness, with each moment carrying a new flavor - some fundamental questions inevitable come up. We’ve been uprooted in various aspects of our lives, at this very fascinating time in our lives. We all know this is quite a unique situation, when the whole world has come to a screeching halt and we’re gifted new perspectives. The recalibration is ON.

In the midst of this philosophical discussion, we of course also have to acknowledge the many many many worker bees on the front lines, working hard - around the clock - to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. For those that are locked up at home, send gratitude and grace to all that are working to save lives. We are in this together. (And for those that can, spend an extra moment in nature for those that cannot seek its solace and sanctuary at these times.)

For millions, if not billions, of people, the unfolding have provided more time, space and a different pace - which in itself is a gift. But it can be equally scary, as if the rug is pulled out from underneath us. We have to find new ground to stand on, perhaps even rebuild it from scratch. This is why it’s important that we show up for each other. And to dare to see this as an opportunity. We are invited to look deeper, look beyond and to be creative again. The castles are falling down, we’ve got to face (head on) that our ideas of security are hollow as heck. We have been forced to look at our patterns, behaviors and habits extensively. If we have not yet, that probably means we are victims of the weapons of mass distraction. These symptoms are equally contagious as the virus itself, especially now. However, many have been forced to be creative in order to keep the facade of normality up and running, to maintain our livelihoods to the best of our ability, and to make the content of the mind and emotions less overwhelming. Some, have even been forced to drop their jobs, roles and identities, along with the spread of the virus. Those are the ones with a blank slate, as frightening as that may sound. We are creatures of habit, of community, of service. How do we choose to carry on?

This is truly an opportunity for recalibration of our entire system - from large to small, from individual to collective, from inner to external world. We have been gifted time to slow the pace and really truly look at ourselves and the world we’ve created around us. These topics may be hard for some to closely investigate, hence the distraction factor is going to continue to increase for many people. But if you are up for the challenge, honor this time, take the opportunity, make the most of it. Choose what world you want to create.

Initially, we may look at what hasn’t worked out so well for us - personally and as a population at large. But instead of getting stuck on those topics, bring the gaze forward and to what you’d like to spend more time doing/experiencing/sharing/being. This is where the juices flow. Step into that creative force, where the flow nurtures your excitement. The joy that’s found here, is the joy that heals, that nurtures, that gives life. Of course, many push and pull factors are in the spot light right now, undeniable so. There are many things we can’t avoid any more, nor should we. But let them serve as pointers as to where to place your gaze.

What difference does one man/woman make? A world of difference. Period. Your world starts there. That’s where we can make a difference. We have to start with ourselves - and then watch the ripple effect of authenticity and truth. Once we are in alignment with our own dharma (purpose) and use our skillful means (artha) to serve that dharma, we are of service to the whole. THIS is the only piece of the puzzle we have to attend to right now. We may not find quick answers, so be it, let it marinate. Absolutely, we need to be involved with the world and care for its progression, no doubt. But this is an invitation to come from a new, deepened, more authentic place within ourselves, to nurture healthy and balanced relationships - the foundation for a healthy society. We see weaknesses expressed everywhere, within our own emotional life, as well as in our communities and countries. But do you dare challenge them as weaknesses and instead use these insights as stepping stones to the world you rather have - inner and outer.

So, let the fragrance of spaciousness spill over into the day-to-day in the new normal. Let’s cultivate such awareness that even the ones on the frontlines, who’ve given so freely of themselves for all of us, can soak up the goodness and merits of our practice. And when the virus is gone, give them the privilege to take a nurturing break and ask themselves these same questions. On that same note, what is the new normal going to be? What world, what beliefs, what structure, do we continue to invest in? What do you choose? It is all a choice, even the structures of society that we co-create. We can choose to put the blinders back on, or we can choose to stand tall in our new adopted ways.

All of these questions come up parallel to the thought of many behavioral theories saying that one needs 21-30 days to create the foundation of a new habit. So, how will we use this time that we have been gifted?

Instead of focusing too much on what we want to change in our lives, shift the gaze to what you want more of. Of course we need to be able to name what are obstacles to our growth, however instead of fixing our attention on that (because it amplifies it), let’s bring our awareness to that which inspires and keeps us expansive. Now is the time to evoke the creative force that wants to move through. How will we facilitate the expansion of who we think we are? Are we going to repress or resent it - or are we going to welcome it? If we don’t even know what that looks like - we have to take a leap into the unknown by merely making space, the rest will follow…

What keeps coming up are thoughts of Independence and Interdependence. Individuality and Unity. Two sides of the same coin, really. At the heart of this inner exploration lies self-reliance (feels extremely important right now), while at the same time serving the whole. The question moving forward ties into how we stand strong and resilient, self-sustainable and at ease within ourselves - while at the same time united serving the whole. These are BIG questions, that deserve your FULL attention. Without knowing our inner world, no change will be done. By digging deeper, we will learn, grow and expand - which is exactly what the world needs right now.

Remember, anything that is challenging provides new insights, new growth, and maybe most importantly - expansion to move beyond what we know. So, finding calm while at the edge, is imperative right now. I’ll hold your hand as you hold mine - let’s fly together into the new.

So, following Eddie Stern’s advice to contemplate dharma (purpose) and artha (skillful means) - how can we serve the whole from a place of compassion and authenticity? Let this be our inquiry for some time.

As fractions of the whole, let’s ask ourselves how to step up and serve, for our own health and wellbeing, as well as for the evolution of all. This website is born from this intent. We are all in this together.