The Silent Spring Awaits
Faith is standing at the edge of winter on a chilly, still snow-covered ground
Toes cold while the new sun warms your thoughts
Feeling sad, anxious, perhaps confused or heartbroken
And seeing purple tulips tip their hats towards you with a smile,
Hearing morning doves chanting their prayers of thanksgiving,
Smelling the aroma of chicken barbecue in the distance,
Touching the branches of a budding tree,
And tasting salty tears of joy because you remember
Even in times when it’s easy to forget
Life never ends
And there is always hope.
In the midst of chaos and concern; sickness and survival - empty grocery shelves, the first newborn brought into this world with the Coronavirus, politicians and news reporters jabbing one another, the fear of big and small companies losing profits, and children on extended school break, I can’t help but wonder how do we as a world, a nation, a community, and individuals navigate through these riptides? First, we don’t panic. However, that goes against our basic instinctual and foundational need of human motivation – survival. That is why often in times of great chaos and uncertainty, many people turn to food or sex – basic physiological needs - that help the nervous system go from distress and overactive to eustress (positive stress) and manageable. When we feel, hear of or perceive a threat, our brain sends out various chemicals (i.e. cortisol) into our blood stream that alert the body to fight, flight, freeze, submit or cry (or a combination of these five defense mechanisms). In the short term, stress can shut down an appetite where the adrenal glands pump out epinephrine (aka adrenaline), which triggers the body’s defense mechanisms into a revved-up physiological state. Chronic stress can mimic this back and forth response and also affect one’s sleep, activity and overall physical, mental and spiritual health.
So, how do we help calm our minds, hearts and brains - held with both good and bad memories - to not be triggered or over-stressed or run rampantly out of control taking us on a downward spiral of gloom, doom and over-catastrophizing, making it difficult to determine what is healthy or unhealthy?
I don’t think there is one answer. But I am reminded at this dark time in history the importance of silence and peace and hushing the nervous system to remain grounded. However, healthy social supports are equally valuable. Friends, families, churches, synagogues, clubs, groups, theater, teams, sports, and volunteering are needed in both stressful and relaxed times. We may need to get creative during quarantine times, but with the use of technology or leaving gifts on a door step for a sick or immune compromised person or family adjusting to a new baby or a loss can all be achieved.
I am reminded of channeling positive healing energy such Reiki or breathing-in words like “life, breath, healthy, strong, united, faith, kind, healing.” Also, picturing images of a calm/safe place that the specific image brings you relief (meadow, beach, mountain, cottage, forest, specific destination, etc.). Meditation and prayer are other excellent practices to help calm the nervous system and can help us to be even more mindful of impulsivity during high stress times, similar also to the positive effects of sound therapy, listening to music, coloring, and playing cards or games to name a few. Of course, exercise like weight training and aerobics, walking, biking, spinning, or a combination of both meditation and exercise such as yoga, tai chi and Qigong are all beneficial. Science shows the benefit. People experience the benefit.
Faith is the complete trust, confidence or belief in someone or something rather than proof. During times of chaos and uncertainty and fear, in times of joy and loss and sorrow, how does faith play a role in your life? Understanding that faith involves boldness and grace, what are you doing in your life to boldly grow your faith? What are you doing in other’s lives to graciously show faith?
During this confusing time and with each new rising sun, may you stay well and may peace find you.