How do we support ourselves, physical & emotional, during “social distancing?”
This experience of "social distancing" has been a major shift in lifestyle. It was not only a shift, but a very fast change from our "known lifestyle" to the "unknown." This unknown was not only a new way of living and working, but also not knowing, understanding, having clarity of what COVID-19 was and how we would be affected. The way I experienced it was initially a shock that eased into a slowing down, a pause. The city became the most quiet I have ever experienced it. As the "shock" eased I was swept up into the collective fear and panic. It took me a bit to find ground, myself, my connection. I was able to do this through various practices; meditation, breathwork, Qi Gong, ballet and connecting with others.
This lifestyle change is forcing us to exist differently, whether that means being alone with ourselves more with less to do or being in close quarters with others more consistently and having less time/space for ourselves. This change may cause some of our most challenging parts of ourselves to surface or be exposed. How do we navigate these challenges?
First and foremost be kind, gentle and understanding to yourself and others. This is not an easy time, we are all being challenged, and we are all in this together. Whether you are experiencing emotional symptoms, physical symptoms or both do your best to find time to sit with them, as you would a dear friend or child. Now that we have more time at home and are less busy, these symptoms tend to surface more easily, and because we are less busy we have the time to welcome them and sit with them. When we are "busy" it is easy to be too busy to give them time or space. That being said, these are not easy to be with and more often than not we tend to avoid as best we can. Letting these symptoms come through can be extremely uncomfortable, make us feel "worse," or even ill. I would encourage you to give these symptoms some time to move through you as horrible as they may feel. This is no easy task. Being gentle, kind and understanding is really important. You definitely may feel worse initially. In time you will feel better, when the low is low the high is high. It's yin and yang, things always come into balance.
By allowing these symptoms to move through us, reflect out, they actually leave our bodies, our minds. We don't need to continue to avoid them because they are no longer existing inside of us. If we allow them to move out through tears, anger, discomfort, some sort of expression from the body outward, they are released and leave. It's not easy, but it is worth it. It's freeing. In time you may feel lighter and a sense of relief. What better time to allow this process, this healing journey, to happen now when there is time and these symptoms are surfacing.
If you get to a place where you feel overwhelmed please contact someone who can support you.
Disclaimer:
This and all information mentioned on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical practitioner. If you feel you are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19 be sure to contact your primary healthcare provider immediately and follow the advice of local, state, and national guidelines.