Let love guide you

I think we can all say that we’re living in ‘interesting’ times at the moment. I would never have expected that this year the hottest items to buy would be face masks, toilet paper and hand sanitisers! However despite this chaos, what I know for sure is that this is a time like no other to stay calm and in our heart centres.

It’s normal to feel fearful about the virus firstly because of the health implications being shared in the media but also as a result of all the laws and regulations being put in place to ‘contain’ the situation.  And then on top of this if it’s not about health, it’s the impact on the economy and the huge uncertainty about the future. Life certainly seems bleak at the moment and it’s especially difficult if you’re confined to staying at home except for carrying out essential external activities.

However as much as it seems a horrible situation and that we’re living in the midst of a scene from the book 1984 by George Orwell, it feels like we’re on the cusp of something new and we have the choice to decide how we wish to approach it. Life as we know it is changing and perhaps that’s not a bad thing. For too long, we’ve been conditioned to focus on things like money, buying and accumulating more things and generally giving our attention to aspects of our lives that are more about feeding our egos than truly being present and enjoying life and the people and relationships in them.

Yes, the future is uncertain but in general it always has been. We’ve just learnt over time to convince ourselves that we have some control over it in order to feel safe through activities which allow us to avoid looking at our true feelings and the underlying cause of them. However, the real source of our security is the ability to trust in ourselves and have faith that we will be able to handle whatever happens. We don’t need to know every step of the way or even one step. The key is to start tuning into yourself and to learn to listen to that calm and gentle voice that has been guiding you your entire life (even if you may not have always heard or listened to it). It’s about following your intuition and standing firm in your centre regardless of the situation around you.

This is hard to do when you’re caught in the grip of fear because all your energy will be in your head space when it needs to be centred more in your heart space. Your mind is great for working out the steps to get from A to B but allow your heart and intuition to guide you. This means taking time each day to ground yourself in the present moment whether this means doing some yoga, meditation, going for a run etc – anything that will help you get out of your head (where your fears and worries reside), back into your body and consequently into the ‘now’. When you are present in each moment, this is when you’re connected to your own source of power and able to listen to that nudge of intuition, or that idea that will lead you on the next step of your journey. We are not machines so we can’t make these things happen when we want them to. However, if we can let go and trust in perfect timing, then all will unfold as it’s meant to.

I can’t tell you the number of times when in the past I have wanted my life to go a certain way and pushed for it to happen. When it didn’t turn out as I would have liked I felt so frustrated and disappointed. However, each time I looked back retrospectively, I was glad that things worked out the way they did because life always turned out better than I could have imagined it. These difficult moments helped me to trust that as much as I believe I have control over life, there is a higher intelligence (call it source, the universe etc) that knows better and has greater plans for us.

If you’re worried about the health risks, know that being in fear greatly reduces your immune system. They have shown this in many studies so avoid activities that create stress and unnecessary fear such as watching too much of the news, being around people who are fearful etc. Focus on the things that help you feel good such as exercise and eating foods that are a source of good nutrients and energy. If you are confined, you can still go out for walks, do yoga & meditation – these are good ways to help your immune system and strengthen your mind and body. And if you can, improving your digestive system is helpful for your immunity as well so eat fermented foods (e.g. raw sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir) and good sources of fibre to help with clearing your system.

By focusing on your emotional and physical needs, you will find yourself in a better place not only to deal with this situation but to also be there for others. I’ve also found the following activities helpful:

• Focusing on gratitude. It’s easy to get lost in the doom and gloom forecast. But throughout every challenging situation, there are those who manage to deal with it more easily than others. Ask yourself what you are grateful for? Keep a diary/journal where you can write 3-5 things every day. It may at first seem a little laborious but once you get started you will start to realise how much you really do have in your life. And what you focus on grows…
• Do things that may you feel joyful each day. No one can make you think or feel a certain way so remember that you always have the power to choose. This doesn’t mean ignoring how you feel – rather acknowledge and accept your feelings and thoughts, let them be there and give them your full attention if you can. You will find that when you do so, they will pass more quickly than if you try to ignore or push them away. Then when you feel ready or it feels right, give yourself the space to do things that brighten your day. Perhaps it’s a cup of tea before the kids wake up, or a nice chat with a friend or any number of things that give you joy.
• If you are feeling grounded and peaceful and strong enough to share it with others, then try to do so. We’re living in times where the strength of connecting and supporting each other is so important. We may not be able to do so in person but there is so much that we can still do virtually these days. It may mean calling a friend who is feeling vulnerable or creating an online meeting and doing an activity altogether such as a dance class, music session, meditation etc. And if you’re struggling for ideas, you can always just imagine loving energy surrounding your loved ones and the planet. We are more than physical beings and our intentions have more of an impact than you can possibly imagine.

By looking after yourself and your needs, you will be in a stronger position to ward off any illness and to be a source of support for others. When it comes to making any decisions or taking action, ask yourself whether it is coming from a place of love or fear. Accept your fears but know that love is the guiding force that will help you to overcome any challenges.