A global wake-up call is sounding. COVID-19 exposes the disease in our lives, alerting humankind of the imbalances we have perpetrated on our environment, relationship with animals, and within ourselves. COVID-19 is not the enemy. It has no malice or intent to destroy the planet. Instead, it is a wake-up call to readjust our priorities.

This is not the first time we have been prompted to examine our actions. We have had viruses before; SARS, MERS, HIV, etc. Fires in record numbers have burned the earth’s lungs; the polar ice caps are melting at an unforeseen rate, destruction of entire animal habitats and the extinction of whole species happen almost daily.

Hopefully, the bell sounded loud enough this time for us to heed.

Consumerism, the want for bigger, better, more, and extraordinant greed, has overridden the protection and wellness of our most precious resource, mother earth.

We are living in an existential crisis. We are asked whether we live with meaning, purpose, and value to the common good.

Humans are responsible; once we acknowledge that, we can correct it. Thankfully, the Universe only presents obstacles we can handle, and our situation is no different. Therefore, it is a time to reassess, not merely to make do but to embrace a new mindset that Less is More.

Even within the short sheltering-in-place mandates, mother earth is regaining her balance. Clear skies have emerged with factories closed and fewer cars on the roads.

The unwinding of our curated lives has begun. An opportunity to reboot has been thrust at us, creating an opening for self-reflection. We have had time to rest, readjust, recover, and realign. The task at hand is how to move forward. We have a choice: resume our old ways or make a new normal that will nurture rather than destroy, one that will slow down consumerism and return us to a harmonic relationship with mother earth.

Things to Consider During our Spiritual Quarantine:

  • Become conscientious of the impact and footprint our lifestyles create.
  • Reevaluate Need or Want. If it is a want, sit with the desire and see if it grows or dissipates.
  • Buy Local whenever possible. Support the Mom and Pop stores, farmer’s markets, and local eateries.
  • Educate yourself about where your food comes from and how eating certain products impacts the environment. For example, Palm Oil is the leading cause of carbon emissions and rainforest destruction. It’s an ingredient found in many chips, and crackers, even those labeled natural, healthy, or organic.
  • Buy Made in the USA. Avoid products from China as much as possible.
  • Get a water filter and a reusable bottle. Stop buying bottled water.
  • Purchase quality over quantity.
  • Repair, reuse, and repurpose. Donate your unused or gently used items to someone who can use them.
  • Question everything. Is new technology necessary?   What are the global and local repercussions? Do we need faster 5G internet? I vote no, not at our health or the planet’s cost.

It is too early to know the full extent this episode will have on history. However, I hope that a change in consciousness has begun and a silver lining can be found.

If each of us looks within to let go of the excess in our lives, we can re-emerge with a clearer understanding of what is essential. But, always knowing, as with everything, this too shall pass, and we exist but in a moment.

BREATHING IN,

I calm my body and mind.

 BREATHING OUT,

 I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment. I know this is a wonderful  moment

 `~Thich Nhat Hanh

#NamaStayHome #NamaStaySixFeetback #Love