Today – as I write this – is probably the worst I’ve felt so far amidst this pandemic we’re navigating. Adrenaline to find ways through, develop new ideas and be productive has given way to a fresh flood of anxiety and fear. Sleepless nights make working hard. Not impossible, but hard. And then of course there’s the “listen to yourself and give yourself what you need” mantra I often share.
There’s also the “I need to start making money yesterday” beat that keeps on thump thump thumping round my brain.
Gratitude at this pause in ‘normality’ creating the time I’ve so often longed for to work on the bigger plans for my business I’ve had for years gives way, like quicksand, to doubt I should be doing this at all. Worry about when – if – the money will come in. It’s not all about that, I remind myself. I’m here to help and support people.
But then – I need to pay my bills, live my life.
The strength of a lioness and confidence of a Queen so often vanish, leaving behind a tiny mouse with a loudspeaker, the ‘Wizard’ of Oz. This is how it is now, but then this is how it’s always been. Transmogrification. Nothing is permanent, no state lasts and – yes – this too shall pass. And come back, and loop and dive and pivot.
Change, I know, is the only constant. I remember learning this when I did my initial Yoga Teacher Training. It’s an aspect of Yogic Philosophy that I’ve simultaneously found fear and comfort in, and that has helped me immensely during this time.
So what else has helped me? What does holistic living look like during a pandemic? All I know is what it looks like to me, and that’s what I’m sharing here in all its messy glory. Holistic living looks different for each and every one of us, at its core though is – I think – a connection to our truth. Whatever that may at any given time. Connecting to our core values, our true selves and our authentic lives. Well, all of these might be changing right now and at least being challenged. It’s going to get ugly – probably has already – there’ll be snot and tears and elation and small household catastrophes and maybe bigger ones too.
Holistic living, I’m finding, is being there with all of that. It’s in noticing our thoughts, emotions, fears and hopes shifting like boats on a battered sea. It’s holding on to the very core of us, whatever that may be, and sticking to those practices that help us keep hold of it.
Meditation; journaling; yoga; movement; listening to positive talks and affirmations; my work; gardening; dinner in the garden; meal planning; routine; nourishing food; sleep routine; getting dressed; showering; connecting with loved ones; writing; aromatherapy; water.
These have been my anchors. They don’t make it easy, but they help me stay stable during the storm. In the middle of chaos it’s easy to loose ourselves, holistic living practices can help us keep our footing.
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