Wiping the Pandemic Blues Away

Since March of last year, I’ve been seeing clients 100% virtually.  At times, the experience has felt like a page out of a Dr. Seuss story (on phones, through videos, in cars, on a couch, in a closet, under a blanket…therapy can happen anywhere).  I could enumerate the challenges we’ve all faced, but chances are you’re already well aware of them.  It feels more meaningful to highlight the attributes and acts of self-awareness I’ve seen people leaning into despite the uncertain circumstances surrounding COVID-19: resilience, adaptability, creativity, kindness, reflection, introspection, and stillness.  Rising up when adversity strikes isn’t a new concept, but, for the vast majority of us, cultivating and holding onto hope during a pandemic is.  Though we can’t change the hard realities of what has recently befallen family, friends, neighbors, communities, and the world at large, we can practice hopefulness and build on its momentum.  In that spirit, I urge you to keep your faith strong, heart open, and eyes on possibility. Here is John O'Donohue's A Blessing for Presence to help light the way:

May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.