A few years ago when I was diagnosed with chronic M, I was introduced to these important and life giving words----A New Normal for Now. My kind and compassionate cranial sacral therapist, Cheryl, whispered them gently to my weary and anxious face. She continued to explain to me that life with a chronic illness would be more easily managed and lived well IF I accepted my existence with a different perspective. At first I did not fully comprehend the positive meaning of those words. I was so hurt and angry and frustrated that anything positive was not really on my radar screen. "Accept a new normal?" Well, that did take awhile to say the least. Believe me, it did not happen overnight.
Over months and years, I have done so. The energy I put into wishing and hoping that my old existence and fun life would return to the way it was, had to be refocused into something else. A transformed life of hope, purpose, and happiness slowly started to take root. My anxiety and anger which wore me down day in and day out were carefully placed into their proper places. I did not put those feelings aside totally because that would have been to deny myself they weren't really there in the first place. Denial is not healthy for healing. Eventually, blossoms with beautiful fruit gradually stomped out the prickly thorns of despair and darkness, which for me, was embracing a new normal.
Fast forward to 2020, and we, as a nation, are facing a deep and grave traumatic new way of living due to this COVID--19 virus. These times are unprecedented, and we are all stumbling our way day to day and moment to moment. The reality of the situation is this-----life the way we knew it is no longer. It can't be. Even if the virus is eradicated and wonderful miracles help heal us all, too much grief and trauma have settled into our souls and bodies. I dare say we feel vulnerable beyond belief now. The fragility of life is always a given, but now it seems to be felt more desperately than ever before. How sad it is that we can't reach out and touch people whom we love. No hugs or holding hands at a time we especially need one another's touch. Thankfully, technology is keeping us connected via social media and internet support, but technology is no replacement for real life connection. That is a no brainer.
Since I have learned and put into practice living a "new normal, " I invite you to think about doing the same in some manner. The world changed its practices and habits after 9/11, and this current pandemic will cause us to do the same. It is amazing how resilient our minds, bodies, and souls can be especially in times of great stress. Shifting our focus off of ourselves and onto others' needs gives us a purpose to get out of bed in the morning and try to lift someone else up during these difficult times. The news frequently posts inspiring stories of how people are bringing joy to others in the midst of total chaos. It is worthy to be aware of those stories and events while backing off of the grim news in order to give our souls a bit of a breather.
I am grateful over the past few years that chronic M has taught me a great deal on how "to be" in addition on how to be flexible and adaptable when choosing my "to do " activities. Stay home and stay safe is not really too difficult for me. I am not stressed as others are because I have had lots of practice. LOTS. (lol.) Carrying the same philosophy going forward, I know it is the best not only for me but for ALL of us, so this is good. Listening and following sound medical advice plus using our own common sense are practical and necessary right now. Keeping our social distance is awkward and downright contrary to how humans like to live and communicate, but certain habits must be embraced for awhile. In time, we will all be moving to another song and dance, and we will find our flow and rhythm once again.
In what areas might you rethink some of your old habits and possibly adapt to new ones? Are you willing to become more flexible in one area of your thinking? Would responding positively instead of reacting negatively in some areas and or situations help you slowly accept this new normal for now?
It is always best to live with great gratitude in our hearts because we are not ultimately in control of life's circumstances. We are only in control of how we respond to those circumstances. This is not a new philosophy, and it might seem a bit overused, but truth is truth. I thank God everyday I can choose to live in gratitude. I pray you can do the same.
Many heartfelt prayers to all of you, my friends, for safety and health during this pandemic, and may the grace of this Easter Season comfort your souls.
