Gratitude in the Face of Coronavirus
Along with washing our hands more often, we’re practicing gratitude at frequent intervals throughout the day. It could be something as large as being thankful for our health and safety, to something as small as glorying in the warmth of the sun on your face.
But how do we discpline ourselves to do this? One good way, is to practice both at the same time.
We love these tips from The Network for Grateful Living on Living Gratefully in the Time of Coronavirus:
Wash your Hands — The 20 seconds recommended to “lather up” offer us an opportunity to slow down to experience gratitude for the gift of hot and cold running water, the miracle of soap, and the wonder of our hands themselves. Consider making a sacred ritual of washing your hands, welcoming the opportunity to meditate on these blessings.
Reflect on Goodness — Reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices of health and service workers and all those who are self-quarantining; adjusting habits and lives; working overtime to do research, make tests and vaccines, and provide important, accurate and timely information. Notice opportunities to orient your attention to all the ways that people are caring for fellow human beings around the globe.
Stay Connected — In this time of physical distancing, might this be an opportunity to connect by phone, text or email with family, friends, and neighbors to see how they’re doing? How does it feel to reflect with gratitude on the relationships in our lives and let people know we care about them? Keep in touch and offer connection in all the ways that you can.
Be Generous — Extend compassion to those whose lives are impacted most by this crisis. Recognize that people’s health and livelihoods are in jeopardy and nervous systems are taxed. Try being more patient, kinder, take a deep breath before responding, offer smiles and gratitude freely. Give to organizations whose operations and fundraising efforts are being impacted but whose services will be needed more than ever. Support local businesses struggling as many of us stay home. Consider making a donation in someone’s honor or buying gift certificates.
See the Privileges of the Ordinary — In the midst of a focus on how much is being lost, keep noticing all the blessings that remain. Allow yourself to appreciate and be in awe of what is available to you: phones, electricity, showers, the beauty and resilience of the natural world, all the parts of your body that work, the services and systems that serve your ability to function, and so much more.
Commit to that which Sustains You — Allow yourself to stay grounded in the things that preserve your integrity and reinforce the beliefs that help you have faith and hope in difficult times. Maintain or increase the rituals, traditions, reminders, and practices that help you to find calm in the midst of any storm. Read, write, or share poetry.
Want to make it a grateful day? Watch this transformative video "Gratitude" by director Louie Schwartzberg and Benedictine monk, David Stendahl Rast.
If you or someone you care about is struggling and experiencing emotional distress related to Covid-19, crisis counselors are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 (TALK) or text “MHA” TO 741741.
Photo by Jessica Felicio unsplash.com
