Welcome to March. What an interesting month it has been thus far, and I wanted to take the opportunity in these surreal times to remind you of all the wonderful things which can be celebrated, and the valuable stillness which can be enjoyed and utilised for peace within oneself, as well as among others. Ovid says "Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you..." and I think that this epitomises a worthwhile approach for us all to consider as we may be struggling with this duration of isolation which can feel strange and unnerving at many times. A large majority of businesses have closed for the foreseeable future and we are restricted with our physical movements. We do not know what will happen for certain but have to trust in who and what we have around us. Let us embrace this time and reflect on everything that is advantageous. You may learn more about yourself than you realise!
Patience is a virtue.
Virtue is a moral.
Moral is a grace...
When thinking about the theme for this month's blog, I was reminded of the short and memorable poem above. Its quiet simplicity sparked understanding within me, which inspired me to write these words for you at these challenging times. Patience was the name of my first pet rabbit and Patience will be the focus of this blog. I will also take inspiration from one of my favourite uplifting songs which prompts us to think about the importance of connections with those nearest and dearest. Even though it may feel insensitive not to visit family and friends in this time of uncertainty, particularly those in the later parts of their lives, I would urge you to consider the widespread effects of your actions and act in the best interests of everyone. This does not mean that we stop communications with those around us. Not at all. In reality, it means that we have to find other ways to spread and share our love as much as possible. A poignant recent example took place last Thursday at 8pm when millions of people in the UK stood at front doors, open windows, in gardens and even on balconies...raising a thunderous applause of gratitude for those working on the frontline against coronavirus. Across Britain, various monuments, buildings and bridges turned NHS blue, from London’s Shard to Manchester Central, the Tyne bridge and the SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow. One evening of shared community, despite the current social isolation laws. Felt and experienced by so many. This demonstrates how we can overcome the barriers which is limiting our physical contact and utilise the online community for the benefits of all. Let us continue in this way and help to reassure the worldwide community that time will pass and we shall get through this together.
Today this could be
The greatest day of our lives...
The lyrics from the well-known song by Take That will pervade throughout this blog, bringing you back to the significance of the present moment and how we should take advantage of every day even more so now. Embrace the present and welcome all the opportunities which come your way...even if that means tackling online meetings via Zoom, Skype or another similar programme. Take the initiative to watch videos and learn. Now is the time to do it and help others by improving your own ability. You may just surprise yourself. Yoga, Zumba, HIIT-style fitness classes, cooking, baking...there is a wealth of knowledge available at your fingertips online and here you have an excellent chance to explore and discover. There are multiple adverts about the various online possibilities and one of these recently struck a chord with me when saying that this is the time to find ways to get better...what are those wishes of yours which you often dream about doing in your spare time? Tackle them and have fun! Baking, cooking, gardening, walking, learning to play a musical instrument or sing, strengthening your physical body, taking up meditation, or even just dancing around your house...be happy in whatever you choose! This is your life and you should do whatever fills your life with joy!
"Happy is the person who can keep a quiet heart, in the chaos and tumult of this modern world”
These are very relevant words by Patience Strong, as we find ourselves in an overly worried and disturbed society where people have expressed their concerns in multiple ways, not least in the excessive purchasing of toilet paper. Sales of hand sanitiser gel spiked 255% in February. As supermarkets have been desperately trying to maintain their supply and demand chains, there is collectively £1 billion more worth of food in our houses than before the stockpiling began. This response is understandable, because the pandemic is an example of general panic, rather than disaster panic. We don't have much idea as to the time, duration or intensity of this health crisis, apart from the daily messages which are communicated via news platforms. Let us not be hard on ourselves but take some moderation. It has been suggested that we human beings are internally hard-wired to watch out for threat and seek safety in the context of a new danger which appears out of control. In the well-connected world of today, we do not need to worry about availability of food in the same way as many would have done in the world wars for instance. Unfortunately, the reaction of stockpiling comes from the fear of what is going to happen if everyone panic buys. That creates the panic buying problem which feeds the whole cycle continuously. By showing to others around us that we do not have to worry about every single meal of the day, we can help to reduce this revolution of recurring events and eventually bring about its termination. The response of excessive buying does not need to continue at the same rate and I urge you all to take stock of your own personal situations and see what you can do to help. We do face an unusual situation with the large majority of children being at home and out of school, and therefore there is increased pressure concerning food and daily activities. Make your individual contribution by supporting local groceries, bakeries and even growing your own fruit and vegetables wherever you can. Be sensible and "help yourself by helping others".
Like Ryunosuke Satoro says in the accompanying text of the photo, we don't necessarily have to make huge drastic changes but everything that we do can be more measured. As Galileo says "Measure what can be measured and make measurable what cannot be measured". Try to replicate the positive emotions which you feel whilst doing your favourite activities and incorporate them further into your daily lives. Take on the worry with confidence in your own abilities. Take the time to consider whether you really need that extra item or whether it could help someone else more.
Before it all ends
Before we run out of time...
Just like the lyrics above, seize the present moment and make sure that you act upon your own instincts. If you listen to the quiet within, you will get a sense of what is the right thing to do. This may be thinking in more detail about your usual work-life balance, your food shopping, how often you visit family, or any other habit. Use the time now to think about these customs in your life and whether they may require a change. This doesn't necessitate change but allows space for things to be reflected upon.
I recently watched a movie called AboutTime which I would highly recommend to bring a completely different perspective on life. Without giving too many spoilers, the crux of the film centres on the ability to time travel and change situations, but only in the past. The future is invincible. This made me *literally* sit back and question my approach to the current situation. The film suggests that even if we regret and want to change certain behaviour and actions, things that we take for granted today may not have happened. People we have met, opportunities we have taken, even decisions we have made. In the end, it is probably best if we leave life to unfold as it does. The underlying essence of the film advocated the approach in that we just have to live each day as it comes. The current restrictions and limitations may feel controlling, but if it clears the situation more quickly, then we shall have even more to look forward to when things resume normal business. A light-hearted and warming film which makes for a charming afternoon or evening!
Stay close to me
Stay close to me...
Above all, this pandemic is a clear demonstration of how we as human beings can only assert our control to a certain extent. We are now at the mercy of a virus and we just have to do our best to maintain communication and bring people together, albeit via video, if not in person. The more we can unite together and comply with the recommended behaviour, the easier it shall be for us all and the safer everyone shall be. Get social through use of the extensive technology. Stay motivated and try adopting an alternative perspective for the days and weeks ahead. Think about others and use the time to help and support your local community where appropriate, especially for those more vulnerable who find everyday activities a struggle. Grow into becoming creative and test yourself by trying something outside of your comfort zone. Try something new, even if just for a laugh or smile :)
"The secret of patience is to do something else in the meantime"
These words by Croft M. Pentz are another reminder of a useful mental approach within this time of lockdown. Whenever the mind concentrates on the uncertainty surrounding the future, take it as an occasion to divert it elsewhere and immerse yourself in the existing or newfound habits, hobbies...or hugs!
Watch the world come alive tonight
Stay close to me...
The heartfelt lyrics reiterate the importance of those nearest and dearest and how we can be attentive, whatever the situation. I shall share with you a short story which evokes the significance of our attitudes, just as aforementioned in the context of the film. Two people were in discussion about attachment, with one asking questions and the other answering from personal experience being in the environment of a hermitage. The questioner asks whether more can be said about detachment. The other replies with the example of hermits in the forest. They surround themselves with fire, keeping even the most violent beasts at bay. The questioner is curious as to what fire we can surround ourselves with.
The second person replies with the word 'love'. Love keeps attachment at bay, since attachment only comes when one does things for motives of profit or matters of self-interest. Detachment has nothing to do with either profit or loss at all. Self-interest, self-assertion or even self-confidence does not exist in love. Love brings the equilibrium which releases attachment from any action.
For me, this seems to be a very poignant story at a time when love is increasingly manifested as service and volunteering, which is very encouraging. Sometimes we may need to acknowledge the self-centred emotions within ourselves before we can look beyond them to see what the greatest need is. Thus, there appears to be quite a bit of wisdom in the Virgilian quote "Love conquers all".
Similarly, the seasons of love song asks the question 'How do you measure, a year in the life?' with the answer 'How about love?'. Once again, the same emotion is raised in importance. See what impact more love can have on your own life and those closest to you, and perhaps we can increase the love to those who are in more solitary situations and who may be needing it the most at this time.
Today this could be
The greatest day of our lives
Today this could be
The greatest day of our lives...
Act upon your thoughts. Help yourself to feel like today is your today. Don't wait for anyone or anything else. Now is the time to act upon our natural instincts. After all, surely, this is why we are here in life?#doitnow
"Patience and fortitude conquer all things"
These words by Ralph Waldo Emerson spread encouragement and comfort that now is the time to be happy with yourself and with others around you. Enjoy your new hobbies and activities. Fill your lives with laughter and joy. This duration continues to move by and before long will be a distant memory, recalled by historians as an unusual world event. Let us create a happy environment to be remembered for all the shared positivity and kindness throughout the world.
Happy March and I leave you with these words:
"Patience is more than simply learning to wait: it is having learned what is worth your time"
Stay safe.
Stay happy.
Stay calm.
This will pass.
Lots of love now and always,
Sitara xxx
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