Though I entered “sheltering at home” with internal fire—creating new resources, revamping my website, moving classes to Zoom—I recognize the unsustainability of my pace. I was operating from a “sprint” mindset: move quickly, make changes, help everyone. Now I’ve shifted to a “marathon” mindset: move slowly, consider new ideas, help the person right in front of me. 

We’re in this for the long haul. I know that’s not what anyone wants to hear, but it’s true: Our landscape has radically shifted, and it won’t shift back for years. One way to find ease in this difficult situation: Let go of the question, “When will this end? When will everything be normal again?” In its place, consider how to best take care of yourself, your family, your work, your heart for the long haul.

We’re checking in with each other, but we must also check in with ourselves. It’s vital that we nourish our mind, body, and heart. Self-care and compassion are needed, not to “just get by” but to thrive again. I’m doing my own internal check-in. It’s not easy. Fear and doubt appear in times like these. Yet those internal voices are not helpful nor kind. Each morning I sit in meditation. That’s where I discern between wisdom and fear; compassion and overwhelm; truth and doubt. Our best work—our best life—comes from love not fear.

We need refuges. We need regular pauses. This video provides a 3-minute awareness pause (yes, you have 3 minutes!). Let yourself receive: