I hope that you are safe, healthy and well.
Worldwide fear has taken its toll on the stock market, economy, businesses, and the heart and soul of human beings. This time of uncertainty brings up and deepens all kinds of emotions as we are all dealing with something that we have never experienced before. How are you feeling as you read these words, dear one? I invite you to place a hand on your heart and take some deep breaths and bring your awareness within. Allow yourself to feel your emotions.
What is arising for you?
Are you feeling scared, anxious, worried, lonely, or grateful, and calm?
Do you have a need for reassurance, love, freedom, kindness, lightness, ease, comfort?
Acknowledge what you feel and let it be okay. Do your best to be compassionate, and kind to yourself. You are not alone in this. This time emphasizes how interconnected we all truly are. We are all in this together. If you are quarantined and safe at home, can you think of it as a gift of time?
May we take this time to send out prayers of healing and love, offer our help, and take care of ourselves.

It appears that in this time of quarantine, we remember the importance of family and friendship. Even if it may not be possible to visit each other physically, many of us make it a priority to connect with each other again. I encourage you to reach out to your loved ones and friends. Send them a text, email, call them and let them know you care.

However scary and uncertain this period of time is, it is lovely to see how the Earth is taking this opportunity to heal herself. Dolphins are returning to the now clear waters in the Venice Canals, and the air quality in many countries and cities is improving dramatically.

Maybe this time of uncertainty also presents us with an opportunity for healing; a time to practice gratitude, love, compassion and self-care. What would happen if you would tune inwards and explore what would bring you joy?  Now may be the perfect time to start reading that book that has been sitting on your shelf, baking something yummy, journaling your thoughts, creating wonderful things, taking a soothing bubble bath, mediatiating, practicing yoga, or clearing out your closet. It’s time to slow down and nurture yourself.

In case you ran out of your hand sanitizer, here is a recipe you can make at home using the natural healing power of Aromatherapy.
Hand Sanitizer Recipe
    • 1/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol (or 190 proof ethanol)
    • 1/8 cup Aloe Vera Gel
    • about 40 drops of antiviral, antibacterial essential oils (I recommend a blend of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Bergamot)Measure the alcohol and mix it with the essential oils first. Then add the aloe vera gel and gently blend together. Fill the sanitizer into your container and gently shake before use.
A good way to stretch your body and calm your mind is yoga. You may be aware that yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety which boosts the immune system. Please follow this link to find some free yoga videos for you. Choose the one(s) that feel right for you. From a beginners practice to a soothing yin class or a more active yoga practice.
In the next article we will explore a powerful breathing technique that helps you to stay calm and centered while releasing stress and tension.
To close, I would like to share this inspirational poem by the Capuchin Franciscan Brother Richard called “Lockdown” with you.

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing

Please forward this article to your friends, share your comments, and let me know your thoughts!

May you stay healthy and well!

Sending you many blessings from my heart to yours,

Tanja