A week and a half ago, on a sunny mid-50’s afternoon, I took my first walk outside in two months. I was used to walking four miles every morning with a cherished friend of mine and I felt so eager and excited to restart my exercise regime. Why the break? I contracted Covid and unfortunately developed post-Covid symptoms that enraged my asthma and invaded the mast cells in my body, lowering my immunity to dangerous levels. It affected me physically, mentally, spiritually and financially, but I was determined to persevere.
It’s been a long haul and I’ve learned that although I have a support system, there are so many versions of understanding Covid as well as heightened emotional and fragmented political responses and reactions within the public and between friends and family. My introverted self built up my protective shell even further than I usually do for preservation. I received excellent medical advice from both my naturopath, Dr. Watts in Waterville, Ohio and my Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor in Ann Arbor, MI, Dr. Lu, who both explained the specific process of what had happened to my mind and body on a cellular level, as well as the effects on my gut flora, out of control histamines and mast cells, and inflammation in and around my organs and meridian energy centers in my body. I knew from talking to a few people who had similar post covid affects how terrible this was and even more terrible it would be if left untreated. My western doctor denied me a chest Xray to confirm or rule out pneumonia as well as blood tests to check for certain extreme levels in my body because “The Z-pack should do it.” I knew something wasn’t right. I felt it physically and mentally and my gut kept saying, “Persevere, you know something is off!”
I read a lot during this healing time. I listened to podcasts. I rested and slept. I stretched and moved my body, had massages, acupuncture, cupping, chiropractic care and the list continues medically. I prayed. I did a multitude of breathing treatments and regimen of supplements, specific foods and herbal teas. I grew more frustrated and more angry and more anxious during the low times, and I grew more hopeful on the days that I submitted to my fragmented state.
In the face of one’s health issues, life’s normal challenges can become daunting. Further, grief, a stressful job or job loss, defiant children, family discord, marital conflict, a mid-life crisis, older adult loneliness, loss or change in friendships, a haunting past; all of these can make it difficult for us to heal. An important first step is to say to ourselves, “Stop! Something is not right; something feels off or sad or is worrying me!” That’s when we first connect with ourselves. That is us putting the mirror up to our face, looking at ourselves straight in the eye and saying “What are you doing? Something is not right! Something has got to change!”
Next, we reach into our authentic selves even deeper, to connect through our personal belief system for strength. If we can find peace in a higher power, can we make space to reconnect to what sustains us, nourishes and feeds us in healthy, inspiring ways? God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Buddha? Nature? Do it! Connect with that higher power, allowing our hearts to open like a spring flower eager to receive sustenance and eager to give pure joy to others. And then keep doing it.
Finally, each of us can put into action what is true and genuine for ourselves. Easily said, difficult at times to do! Acknowledge that this is a process which takes practice, which leads to confidence and sometimes falling apart, getting back up and starting again after rest and reflection. It’s a practice of dedication and submission. Therapeutically, I define submitting as an action, practice or understanding of accepting that something has a grip or authority over you. When the force is negative or causing harm and you submit, you are actually giving that negative power less authority, so you can then create and redirect your authentic self on a different path of healing that is conducive for you and your purpose in life. This process can help bring awareness, creativity and restructuring of negative thoughts and behaviors into healthier patterns. It doesn’t take away the grief, discord, sickness, anger, confusion or emotional pain; rather it helps a person move through it and reshape it into a healthier understanding, thus helping with self- love, endurance and the gift of hopefulness.
Whether we are extroverted or introverted, connection of some kind is needed during fragmented times. Blaming, shaming and passive aggressiveness shifts our energy of authenticity and connection. If you have offended or have overlooked someone or something -own it. If you’re thinking of someone – tell them. If you need a break – take it. If you are sick for any reason – stay home. If you don’t understand something – educate yourself or get help. Finding and submitting to healthier ways while connecting to self and others, when we and events in society are fragmented, is crucial for the existence of love, inner peace and encouragement.
This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days
Smiles when sadness intrudes
Rainbows to follow the clouds
Laughter to kiss your lips
Sunsets to warm your heart
Hugs when spirits sag
Beauty for your eyes to see
Friendships to brighten your being
Faith so that you can believe
Confidence for when you doubt
Courage to know yourself
Patience to accept the truth
Love to complete your life.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Will you take the chance, open your arms wide and high into the sky with all of your fragmented pieces, submitting to find inner peace and connection, and simply say, “Here I am”?