Unchanging - Touching What Matters
In this time of ‘unprecedented change’ what is not changing?
Everyone has made changes to their routine, to their day to day patterns. Yet, the invitation to connect with who and what you love does not shift or change; it is more important. We are asked to ‘touch what matters’ to help ourselves remain anchored in well, what really matters.
About 100 years ago the world was experiencing the 1918 Pandemic Flu which resulted in “about one-third of the world infected, and 50 million deaths including about 675,000 in the United States”. There are differences between then and now, including access to information – from many sources – some fact based, some not. Often these sources focus on sensationalism, conflict, blame and scarcity (there will not be enough) - which can invite fear and divisiveness. Yet in this time that requires societal and individual adjustments that are first for most of us, it also invites us to touch what matters, to love ourselves and others a bit more intentionally.
For the past 10 days I’ve been asking, ‘what does not change?’ I recently read (again and again) Mark Nepo’s poem, “Made from Bone” that invites us to ‘touch what matters’. That is where I have chosen to focus. Here are some of my observations as the invitation to ‘touch what matters’ continues:
· People continue to care for other people, and often to care for strangers. Evident in health care workers, delivery drivers and supply chain operators and more, it is also evident in the gentle ways we are reaching out to each other. It may be via text, a phone call, social media or even a letter. The importance of caring for each other is underscored.
· One of my favorite reminders of what matters is ‘we are all just walking each other home’ (Ram Dass). This seems more evident; the importance of meeting ourselves and other people as we are on the emotional roller coaster of life.
· The breeze continues to caress the trees and us, birds are chirping - mightily it seems to me- and blossoms are bursting forth. Spring is springing as it does each year.
· We still need to focus on our breath and moving the body. Sitting for an extended period of time is not supportive. The importance of breathing deeply, stretching, and feeling the sensations in our physical bodies always helps to connect and invites us to stay grounded.
· Within each of us is a part that never changes. Some call this the Soul, some refer to this as the indwelling of Source/Divine/God. The names do not much matter. What does not change, is this unchanging, universal, and timeless aspect within all. Might now be a time to more regularly access this in whatever way works for you? Or to play and explore with different ways that invite this Soul to be invited to shine even more brightly?
· The awareness of patterns of thought continues, as does the invitation to notice and gently nudge these thoughts towards being gentle, loving, kind towards ourselves and others, to be more mindful. Always helpful, this is even more important as people spend more time in closer spaces. It is time to practice radical self-acceptance, and form of ahimsa (non-harming) even more diligently.
· Unchanged is the importance of regular time apart to rest. This is even more critical now if we are to remain balanced, focused and trust in the unfolding of what this reveals, for there are many indications for optimism as we touch what matters. The time set apart helps us find those nuggets or mountains of abundance.
During this time, I am [mostly] staying centered, grounded and connected with the practices that have sustained me over the years. This again reminds me of the importance of recognizing and immersing in that which is unchanging. Of connecting to who and what I love.
I thrive on sharing these practices with other people, and am now offering private Yoga Therapy virtually, plus customized Yoga Nidra (effortless relaxation that connects with the unchanging part of us) and Spiritual Direction. These are available and accessible to anyone with a phone; donations welcomed.
May you find a sense of calm in a way that supports you - breathe, movement, poetry, meditation, etc. - and find a way each day to ‘touch what matters.’