It was not long ago that we were fretting coming out of our homes, trying to make plans with some caution to reconnect with friends and family, and even consider vacation time this summer. And here we are. The heatwave in the NorthEast has arrived, the beaches are full, the amusement parks are busy, and people of all ages are walking, talking, sharing, and enjoying their renewed connections.
Looming in the background are concerns from NIH about a variant to covid, people who have still not receive vaccines, and a different sense of Covid variant illness. Those vaccinated are less fretful, those without vaccines believe they are part of the herd immunity. Either position demands that we be mindful of our own safety and those we care about when we are in large groups, unfamiliar locations, and interacting with strangers. Our mask remains a protective barrier, and 3 feet distancing helps decrease our exposure. Not perfect, I agree, but being mindful of these simple precautions helps everyone, especially you.
Another beautiful experience of our doors opening is that we can start to see people trusting others. The classic example of the is a sign on a door to a medical building that I saw recently, “if you have been vaccinated, masks are not required; if not vaccinated, please wear your mask.” This clearly communicates a sense of renewed trust in our fellow humans for their honesty and integrity, and underlying concern for their fellow mankind. Some skeptics have their comments, I like to see the good in people and the belief that we are still kind and respectful to others, and we follow recommendations proposed.
During this holiday season of “summer fun, it is important to remember the value of eating light, hydrating with water and other juices, limiting alcohol, and listening to your body when it says, ‘enough is enough—it’s time to sleep, time to nap, time to rest, time to chill out. Listening and following the cues of the body help promote health and homeostasis in the body and further, in the mind—they reside in synchrony.
Expression of your emotions, in a gentle, graceful, and kind manner also releases tension and gives a newfound sense of autonomy and freedom from baggage that may be weighing you down. Honest connection with yourself, your thoughts and feelings, can be enhanced through journaling, listening to music, reading books, and watching the ocean or pool water wax and wane.
Our communication needs to change in this new era of 2021, to one of kindness, directness, and honesty. Our world and life need to foster love and kindness for our personal, world, and spiritual health and life. It’s not hard to do. It takes mindful awareness and patience with ourselves and others.
The toll of 2020 is continued to be experienced by many, if not all of us. Let’s move forward into a season of fun and life with open hearts and minds—taking care of our inner self and those we love, and entering the world around us with newfound curiosity and hope.
Namaste/SC