Let's keep well together.

Dear friends,

hope you are safe wherever you are. We are in some seriously wild days. These are not the days that we would choose—a pandemic virus on the loose, schools closing, businesses shuttering—but this is the reality of right now. And so, these are the days we can turn to our practice, to our breath, to our ability to find that oasis of calm that we all carry within. Yes, calm. Waves of anxiety, fear, confusion, anger, sadness, loss are spreading. Uncertainty brings that to our doorstep. With mindfulness, we can let it in. We can feel all of that and more. We can ride big, big waves of thought and emotion as we remember to breathe, remember to pause, slow down, and allow ourselves a moment, maybe even to close our eyes, soften our body and focus on inhaling and exhaling. In doing so, we can allow those waves to peak, crest, mellow, even dissolve. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Accept. Allow. I invite you to practice this simple exercise daily, if possible. Humans have a unique gift. We have the innate ability to practice mindfulness, to work co-operatively, live in community in the truest sense of the word. Even while practicing social distancing, we are living in community, taking care of each other, doing what’s best for the greater good. When we tap into our gift and stay in the moment, maybe we can even find some humor and joy in the little things: a sunny window, squirrels playing, a six-foot chat with the neighbor. Maybe we can find big things, too: compassion, kindness and love in facing our own vulnerability and interconnectedness.

Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, I hope you’ll find a way to plug into compassion, kindness and care; and share your gift with those who need it.

    With love and care,

Martina