Now is the New

Day 21: I saw the sun again. The intensity of the light had overwhelmed me, and at the same time inspired hope within me. Slowly, I opened and closed my eyes again to look below at the streets that were meant to never sleep. Indeed we are quarantined, a place and a situation that has not presented itself for a century. Surreal and somber, the c-virus has changed much in such a short period of time.

I took so much precaution. I followed all the guidelines even before the seriousness was rightfully acknowledged. Yet, my immune system was overpowered, invaded by a foreign energy my body had to experience. I have theories about my necessity of falling infirm.

The first seven days are hazy. And when there is just enough silence in meditation, I can still hear the doctor commanding me to go to the most feared place right now, the ER. Had he not insisted I go…

Yet as the despair escalates in each and every community, I feel even more compelled to emphasize hope. And no one can argue that, yes, there is fear, isolation, panic buying, sickness,  and even death. Still, all over the world people are slowing down and reflecting. All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way. All over the world people are waking up to a new reality, to how relevant we really are, to how little control we really have, and to what really matters.

What I can tell you is that I prayed. I asked for help. I did my spiritual rituals while in bed. I interacted with my environment as authentically as I could, even when I was frightened to show my clients that I was afraid. We are all afraid. I reminded each of them, (maybe I was reminding myself too) that it is okay; it’s always been okay to feel what you feel. We live(d) in a world where only ‘positive vibes’ are tolerated. This is an opportunity to emotionally cleanse.

Now is the new, and you can wake up to the choices that make you feel alive. You can choose authenticity, to freely contribute to the world through self-expression. You can give back in a way that makes life more meaningful.

You can choose to breathe, right in this moment. And when you do, let yourself listen from the heart of silence, because the birds are still singing, the sun is still shining, and the opportunity for emotional freedom is ever present.