Improving Mental Health while Practicing Social Distancing During Covid-19

Social distancing is a good thing for slowing the spread of the virus, but it can be a challenge to our mental health. This week we began our outreach to our community using online tools. Last night we had our first online yoga class. Although the class lacked production value and was quirky like most of our yoga classes are, I felt that it was an expression of love and care that transcended  physical separation. In a small way it served as a sign-post reminding us all to root ourselves in what’s most important.

https://youtu.be/tibHXUJYCB4?t=673

This morning I woke up thinking about the experience and the fact that Maribel and I are away from our kids and family. I wondered how we might bridge the gap.  (We have children spread out across the country and in another continent.) We decided to host a virtual family dinner to allow us to have the experience of breaking bread together. Tonight at 6:30 PM, we will create a virtual family get together while we eat using video conferencing. I share this with you to encourage you to think of different ways to use technology to be together with your beloveds. Breaking up the sense of isolation we might be feeling takes just a little bit of work. The time to fill our hearts with love and gratitude is right now. 

If we can practice loving-kindness even when we are distracted, we know we are on the path to grow. This crisis does not have to be a moment of inner diminishment. This is a good time to pay attention, learn, create, and love.

We will be back on Thursday for yoga. Pull up your laptop and yoga mat and share in the love

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