Let’s be real. In this moment in history, we as a society, are now in a position to take a deeper look at what authentic acknowledgement truly looks like. During these difficult times, it’s almost impossible to escape what is happening around us: the domino effect of this Corona Virus Pandemic: social distancing, restaurant and school closures, self-quarantine, working remotely from home.
There are many unknowns that not even the CDC can predict at this time such as: how long will this pandemic last for; when will employees be able to return to work, how will school-aged children be remotely educated, how many fatalities will result from this virus, and will the U.S. experience another economic recession.
While many are grieving the loss of what was once “normal” in their daily lives, we are now expected to face a “new normal”. Having had few examples to educate us of what that looks like creates fear and anxiety for many of us. The future holds many unknowns which makes us struggle with a loss of control. We may jump to conclusions that the worst -case scenario may happen: losing our jobs, grieving the ways things once were like, or fearing the death of ourselves and our loved ones.
Remember, it’s normal to feel this way. Practice deep acceptance of what is, instead of having a rigid view of how you wish things “should be”. However uncomfortable this notion may be, allow this moment to be just as it is without judgement, or a need to have the answers right now. When we are willing to give up specific expectations, and be present in this moment, we can recognize our humanity for what it truly is. We are fragile beings.
While we have this precious time on earth, find the strength to share what you have with others: love, compassion, material possessions, food, money, attention, time. This is what life is all about: thinking of others, and not just ourselves.
Over our lifetime, we will experience some inevitable form of grief and loss. With each event, there comes an invitation for emotional and spiritual growth. Each lesson learned that is conceived from our pain becomes a unique opportunity to pay it forward it some way. We can perform acts of random kindness such as: checking in on a loved one who is in social isolation, make a charitable contribution to a worthy organization, forgive those who have wronged us when the time is right, reaching out to family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues. By taking the initiative to help others gives us a greater sense of purpose. It also takes our minds off of our personal woes for a moment allowing us to have a deeper appreciation for what life has to offer.
So, the “big” question is: Why is there so much suffering that leads to grief and loss? Not having a clear-cut answer can lead to the feeling of tremendous doubt, defeat and uncertainty. The unknowingness can make us question the true meaning of our existence. Why do some people suffer more that others? How do we deal with grief and loss when faced with complex external stressors such as surviving through this global pandemic?
Some Ways of Finding Inner Peace:
*Recognition of the realness of one’s emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical pain
*Practicing radical acceptance of what is
*Allowing all of life’s experiences to exist, and acknowledging that even grief and sorrow are an inevitable part of it
*Show sincere compassion for those who are suffering; validate their difficult emotional responses
*Create opportunities to have meaningful discussions without a time constraint; offer your help
*Let’s make life’s unfairness less unfair by reaching out, and not run away from our obligations
*Grief and loss challenge us to look at our lives with a fresh perspective in spite of the discomfort
*Pain and suffering make us appreciate what we once took for granted before our new problems began
*Dealing with previous challenges that once seemed impossible to cope with now appear more manageable
*Allow opportunities to empathize for what other people may be going through
*Facing grief and loss especially during times of uncertainty is a test of our own will power to be present and still in the state of discomfort
*Nothing lasts forever and this too shall pass
*Take the healthy risk of creating a shift of your awareness with flexibility, adaptability, vulnerability and courage
And the day came
when the risk to remain
tight in a bud was
more painful than the
risk it took to blossom.
-Anais Nin