Meeting the world’s fear with our own fear only guarantees more fear. Overcoming our fear is how to stay calm when the world is not.

Fact: Coronavirus – COVID-19 is here. Yes, it is classified as a pandemic. Pandemic means it is a sustained and continuous transmission of disease. It does not mean it is fatal.

The crisis we are facing is not just the virus, but the pandemic of fear it is inciting.

The media is not helping to keep the calm, evidenced in the frenzied shopping and panic wafting through the air. It is only the first indications of the undercurrent of fear, and if not addressed, will continue to run rampant.

Many feel world leaders need to change something so that our fears can go away. The scientists, the doctors, the politicians need to fix it, eradicate it, come up with a vaccine, etc., so we can feel safe again. Once safety measures are in place, and we have all of the answers, we will no longer be fearful.

This is incorrect. As long as our response is in fear, our fear will mix with the fear of others growing exponentially faster than the virus itself.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe we need to be smart and take precautions. However,  fear as the prime motivator is not the direction to go.

Fear can be healthy; it is programmed within our nervous systems and gives us the survival instincts to keep us safe from external dangers. Seeing a rattlesnake in our yard may cause us to run back into the house. This is a natural fear and keeps us safe.

However, unfounded fear is more unhealthy than the fear itself.

When unhealthy fear arises, it prevents us from making rational decisions. We often find support in like-minded people, thus joining together in a hive mentality.

Once these situations are formed, many will go along with the crowd, acting in specific ways even uncharacteristic to their personalities or behaviors. The group then creates its sphere of influence, attracting more people to join.

The problem with unhealthy fear is it doesn’t move us closer to any solution.

Yes, COVID-19 will affect millions of people, and most likely, we will be affected as well.  The vast majority of those who contract it will not get severely ill. The likelihood of it being fatal is projected mainly in areas of those with compromised immune systems. So, if that is you, be extra cautious.

It is important to remember; this is a virus. It is not a natural disaster. Shops will remain open, food shelves will be restocked, and if they do not have everything we desire, we can make do. There will be gasoline in the pumps; we will have flowing water and electricity. Our homes are safe. If you run out of toilet paper, I’m sure your neighbor has an extra roll.

It is imperative we do not fall prey to fear, acting out of panic with irrational behaviors. We will make it through this period. However, moving away from the hive mentality is essential.

With social distancing mandated, let’s not forget we are in this together. It is crucial to acknowledge each and every one of us is energetically connected throughout the planet, with disregard to skin color, religion, or political party. We are all one.

At times like this, the true face of humanity will show and it is an excellent time to remember to choose kindness.

Steps to Stay Calm

1. Practice the Pause and Breath. Stay present in the moment. The moment is all we truly have.

2. Meditate. Even if you don’t meditate regularly, find a quiet place, sit comfortably or lay down. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, filling your whole body with the calming flow of your inhale, and exhale, quietly without force. Repeat. Also, check out online group meditation groups that allow you to meditate in community.

3. Stop engaging in conversations that incite panic within you. Politely tell them you do not want to participate in that conversation. Walk away if you must.

4. Listen to music that calms. Classical, choir and chanting are my go too. With some Carla Bruni thrown in for fun.  If you would like to take music to another level of healing, there is much research on how frequencies can heal our body. Search: frequencies for sleep online to find many videos you can play.  It is lovely to use when going to bed. It may help release anxieties you may be having.

5. Exercise. Even if you cannot get to the gym, instead go for a walk, a hike, grab a jump rope, do some yoga. Dance, climb a tree, make love, anything to get your endorphins flowing.

6. Practice Self-Care; Take a hot bath, make some popcorn, and turn on Netflix. Dance around the house. Walk outside barefoot on the earth. Hug your dog.

7. Practice compassion, patience, and tolerance with yourself and all others.

8. Be helpful. If someone asks for help, offer to assist. If someone is not asking, but you can see they are in need, help. By sharing our energy (and our stuff), we are assisting in the healing.

9. Most importantly, remember the thoughts we think will manifest into our realities. What we are most fearful of we can attract, so don’t buy into the panic.

All things enter our lives as lessons to be learned. COVID- 19 is no different, exposing an imbalance in our world. Let us use this opportunity to realign our priorities and emerge with strength and hearts filled with compassion and love.

Oh…and wash your hands.