Before the Covid-19 global health pandemic my life was lived entirely on a hamster wheel. I was constantly on the go between my PR job, writing, TV and radio. My steady refrain during this time was “rise and grind”. I was so deep into grind culture I worked seven days a week and wore “busyness” as a badge of honor. Moving from life in Washington, DC where everything was an emergency to NYC, the hustlers paradise, only a life altering event could have slowed me down, then boom, Covid.
While the media and politicians alike want us to forget this world shifting event, I think it’s important for us all to remember what we were able to learn and do to create a new normal for ourselves and our families. I am very aware that over one million people perished during this time largely because of the criminal negligence of the twice impeached convicted felon. Consequently, along with a tremendous amount of pain and darkness during this time–a lot of magic was made as well. Like with most things in life, it’s necessary to hold space for both the good and the bad.
A lot happened in my life during the years of Covid. My mother was hospitalized with a brain tumor, I left a 15 year marriage, and the world shut down. The world shutting down provided me with something that I hadn’t experienced in a long time, peace. I had the privilege of being at home reconnecting with my family and engaging in slow lifestyle activities like daily walks, gardening, experimenting with recipes, and shrinking my circle of friends. I began to create a life that was for the first time centered around gratitude. Grateful that my family and I had a home to keep us safe, had enough resources to not worry about food, and had enough separate and shared space to not drive each other crazy.
I began to ritualize my life during this time.
The first thing I did in the morning was meditate. No checking social media or taking my phone off DND until I set my intentions for the day. I made time to go and sit in nature daily. That could mean throwing a blanket down in the backyard and gazing at the sky or going on a walk. I began to journal again both writing and recording my thoughts. I made exercise and eating well part of my daily routine. I slowed all the way down. Even though I was anxious about the virus and what it was doing–I felt my nervous system begin to settle.
While I loved the frenetic energy of the city I didn’t want that kind of electricity coursing through my body on a regular basis. After 6 months of being home with my family I returned to the city with the intention of not picking up where I left off. Instead I began to create rituals that would remind me daily just how sacred and precious this one life is. What I learned through creating these small intentional moments is how much happier I have become and how much more capable I am now to deal with life’s inevitable times of grief.
Here are a few ways to help make your life sacred:
Morning Me Time: We all give so much to our jobs, kids, spouses, pets and community every day, but as my mother often says, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” So, begin your day with time that is quiet and intentional. That could look like brewing a delicious cup of coffee or tea while listening to your favorite tracks, committing to a morning yoga routine, going on a walk or just sitting, breathing and being. Give yourself the gift of at least 20 minutes of relaxation to help ease yourself into your day.
Forest Bathing: Known in Japan as Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is the act of immersing ourselves in nature and taking it in through all of our senses. Whether you have a forest nearby, an arboretum, a backyard or a local park, commit to connecting with nature on a regular basis. It does wonders for our nervous system and plus nature has so much to teach us if we stop to pay attention. Check out this video to learn more about Shinrin-Yoku here.
Develop a Daily Gratitude Practice: Nothing has been more meaningful in my life than centering it around gratitude. When we shift our lens to focus on what we’re thankful for, our hearts open wider. I do this at the beginning and end of each day–especially when I am having a bad day. Gratitude allows us to be present and honor the gifts, both small and big in our lives. Check out this article on how gratitude changes our brains here.
Each day provides a new opportunity to live the we truly want. Living a joy centered life begins and ends with gratitude. Especially during times of darkness—take great care in nurturing your light.
