MINDFUL MAY II
It’s [not-so] safe to say that things have been a wee bit wacky over the last few weeks. We’ve all been taken for a loop and a half, and as we settle into a new ride of norms and realities, let us not forget that 2. Mother’s Day is coming up and 1. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity, in spite of the chaos, to practice mindfulness and wellness... with [in]direct regard to current and ongoing circumstance(s).
Whether you’re considered an essential worker or not, furloughed or laid off, navigating through a global pandemic has had vast effects on how we all live. The economy has hit historic lows while unemployment claims have soared in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, for most of us... it’s been a tiktok toosieslide-don’t rush [except on that stimulus check] type conquest, or adjustment rather. Is it me, or does it kind of feel like we’re living like savages and renegades? Talk about flipping the switch. Nonetheless, its been a challenge for sure, but as always, we count it all joy in someway & somehow.
Let’s start by taking a deep breath—in through our nose, and exhaling slowly out through our mouths. Do this as many times as you need to... it’s a master key and helps out a lot. *As do the virtual concerts, battles, verzus & free shows, a few of which I’ve been in attendance for and have enjoyed immensely. It’s the little things, man. They matter.
It’s no secret that I deal with mental health issues, & for myself and the other 40 million Americans who suffer from some form of mental illness, COVID-19 has shined a magnifying glass on some the triggers and causes of mental illness, and how they affect us when we’re at our best as well as our worst. Personally speaking, it hasn’t been easy; but enlightening, for sure. Reflecting on the nature of this polarizing transition, the uneasiness and uncertainties of the entire situation is hard to ignore. Luckily, this isn’t something that any of us have to deal with on our own, but that doesn’t lighten the burden for everyone.
Out of technicality, I’m a non-essential worker (quote-unquote), so my particular plight is an interesting one. My suppliers are closed and projects that I’ve been planning for are now put on hold. I’m looking for new ways to keep my creativity flowing, while equally managing the stress of the temporary lack of income. It’s been tough, but I’m leaning into it. I can’t say that I’ve been through worse, but I will be [able to] soon. We all will. You can bank on it.
I just want to encourage everyone to continue doing the best they can, despite what we’re all going through collectively. Keep a healthy perspective and use this time to better yourself in any and all ways possible.
Mindfulness over mindlessness.
“We are the ruler of our minds,
Real and true, well and kind.
Be soft and gentle, an upmost essential;
To take care of your soul, whole-heartedly.
Your spirit is yours to hold,
Like an infant child that yours to mold;
You are the ruler of your mind,
Treat it well and be kind. ”
