We, like millions of you, are dealing with the Coronavirus Pandemic by self-isolating. So we're checking in, (via phone, and not across from each other!) to see how we're handling the new stress and keeping our mental health in check.

From pulling poision ivy and weeds, to the Serenity Prayer, to finding the baby steps to grace and gratitude. What can we control in all this right now? We can't control the news and the issues, but maybe we take a page from Buddhism, where we can step away from the worry and remind ourselves to stay in the moment and find a bit of gratitude.

*We are well aware this entire situation is hard. We are NOT saying "Just think happy thoughts!" - we are advocating for mindfulness and awareness for what we're doing during all this.* We are fully aware we are lucky, and our hearts go to those working in hospitals and industries where they are at risk, and to their families as they adapt and try to stay safe.

Sometimes, crying is what we need right now. The fear of the unknown is a part of life. So what works for you - prayer? Dancing? Writing? Something else? How do we keep breathing during a pandemic where the breath is what seems to be dangerous. Fear, of the imagined future moments, pulls us out of the current moment of being here and being okay here now. How do we stay grounded, stay mindful, stay aware?

Re-centering with a deep breath, practicing breathwork, and feeling safe with breathing helps. Meditation and being aware of the thoughts we're thinking helps. We are given an opportunity to use our gifts now. An opportunity to practice, to find out what works for you/us. This isn't a reset, but more of a recalibration, a chance to practice resting.

Tech glitch aside - we pick back up and reiterate keeping our own practice and mental health in mind. Find ways to pull away from the news and opinions, and look for the good and spark the positive things in your life. Curate your social media to focus on the things that bring encouragement and support. And try to stop "shoulding" yourself, judging yourself during this time. We're all navigating this in differnt ways. Show yourself Grace, as much as everyone around you.

Reach past the fear, and look for the next-best emotion. We don't have to leap from fear to joy, we can take those baby steps up, and acknowledge our emotions and awareness. Sometimes that means crying, sometimes that means pulling yourself up to go again, or maybe it means a margarita. Yoga, dancing, taking walks, or pulling weeds and poison ivy in the yard - balance that rest with movement. Find ways to reconnect to the earth, stay grounded, and stay aware. Slow down and find new ways to be sustainable, because we can't go back to the way things were.