Shifting Perspective During COVID-19

Theoretically, we’ve all be waiting for this time to be able to do the things we don’t think we have time to do. Most likely, that has a lot to do with doing less. I’ve heard quite a bit of messaging out there to do more with this time. Start the business, create the thing, be productive still. And I would like to release some of that pressure so we can realize that this is the model that we’re trying to leave behind.

Things haven’t really slowed down in our family with Travis being a nurse and me continuing with my practice (and no school) but even still, without the dinner plans or the going to the library or the trampoline park or running errands, I’ve still found some space to do a few of the things that I’ve been longing for in the midst of growing my business and having a kiddo in the last few years. Let’s be clear, there is no peaceful daily meditation happening in our house with a spirited little lady who seems magnetically resistant to a moment without sound. But I’ve had it in my mind that I would be a mom that blissfully sits down and crafts with her daughter and helps foster a slower pace. In reality, I’m kind of a rushing mom.

Always wanting her to move a little faster and being a little frustrated when she wants to show me the food in her mouth for the tenth time that day. To which I answer, “Wow, amazing honey!” I can’t say I’ve totally left that side of me in the pre-COVID19 world but I am seeing where I can shift my perspective and become a little more of the me I aspire to be in our new reality that is temporary but likely to stick around for a while. I’ve ordered the craft supplies and sat down to make the paper bag puppets and it feels as though a part of me I “haven’t had time for” is resurfacing.

There’s a reminder of the creative, feminine side of myself that has been a little smothered by the achieving, doing person that’s been in charge most of the time. I’m going through the range of emotions every day with everyone else but I’m hopeful that this global reset will leave us with some lingering lessons of what our purpose is in being here, who we actually want to be, and how we want to feel as we move through this life.

The Anecdote To Fear During Hard Times

I was feeling it a little yesterday. Even with my feet firmly planted in the bigger picture (which I’m optimistic about), I recognized some fear in my body. My chest was a little tight and there was a little lump in my throat. That’s my pattern. It started when I read an article the night before that I knew was not the right choice just before bed but I did it anyway because I just had to know more. The feeling carried through to the morning and the little practices I did to work through it are a combination of tools I’ve picked up through my Holistic Pelvic Care training and shadow exploration I’ve been doing lately.

And I thought, if I’m feeling this, with all the limitless tools that have helped through many pandemics already (I’m looking at you naturopathic medicine), maybe some others might also be experiencing this and looking for ways to move it through their bodies. Here are the two simple practices I did to help dissipate the fear.

JOURNALING: what am I afraid of? when have I felt this same fear before in my life? what did I need in that moment? who did I need it from? how do I feel about being afraid? This was this biggest realization for me. At some point, I decided it wasn’t ok to show caution and fear and still be loved. what does fear feel like in my body?

GROUNDING: Close your eyes and set a grounding cord from the base of your pelvis, through the floor and deep in the earth. Picture yourself in your favorite place in nature. Lay yourself down on the earth and feel the support. Release completely all of your burdens into that support. Call in the qualities of the universal mother: strength, softness, fierce unconditional love, whatever that means for you. These qualities reside in you at all times for you to draw from.

Fear, worry, anger, frustration or any human emotion can be taken through this process.

With such uncertain times, these practices become more important than ever and this challenge we face becomes yet another opportunity to befriend ourselves, to go deeper, and to move towards a more whole, loved version of ourselves. Healing yourself means a step towards healing the whole that we are each a part of.

Simple Tips For COVID-19 Prevention

I’m not going to update you on the status of COVID-19 because I’m sure you’re staying informed as well as possible but I’m preparing for a talk next week about things you can be doing to stay healthy, with the reminder that getting sick is also a great exercise for your immune system. Yes, this virus can be very serious for certain populations but mounting a solid immune response is essential for a properly functioning immune system throughout your life. That being said, here’s a simple list of the things you could be doing to support your immune system on a foundational level.

Get adequate sleep and adequate rest.

Avoid sugar, alcohol and processed foods. 1 tsp of sugar can depress your immune system for up to 5 hours after consumption. That’s a BIG deal! In general, prioritizing home cooked foods, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 1-2 servings of fruits, grass-fed or pasture-raised animal proteins, legumes and whole grains is the way to go in general, but especially now.

Move your body and spend time outside. Both of these things increase the oxygen delivery to your cells and increases immune cell count in your body.

Stay hydrated. If you’ve been struggling to get in those 8 glasses of water per day, now is a great time to start.

Wash your hands > Using hand sanitizer. I read a study today that washing hands with just water alone gets rid of viruses faster than hand sanitizer. Double down and use some soap!

End your showers with a cool spray for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This can reduce incidence of colds and flus by 50%.

Nasal irrigation: It takes up to two days for viruses to establish themselves in your mucus membranes. Regular nasal irrigation can help clear the virus before they have the chance to take hold. My favorite nasal irrigator is made by @nasopure . If you’re in Bend, Oregon , I have a ton of samples of these I’m happy to give out so just DM if you want to pick one up.

There are also plenty of fancy supplements out there to boost your immune system but by prioritizing the above, you should be in a really good place to prevent infection or handle illness as well as possible.

If you want to add a couple of raw garlic cloves to your meals and some elderberry syrup, I support you 100%. Just remember you can’t out-supplement a low quality diet and lifestyle. I’ll be posting some other tips in the near future so please follow along!