March 25, 2020. Week 2 of quarantine: Yesterday I had a total meltdown. I cried for a solid hour. My stomach was in knots. I felt as if my world came crashing down. It took me hours of meditation, hot tea and yoga nidra with a weighted blanket to calm my anxiety. At 1:00 am I finally fell asleep. Today is a new day. Time to hit the re-set button.
Like me, many of you are feeling the effects of this COVID-19 crisis. It is extremely heavy for those of us who suffer from anxiety, depression or PTSD. Know that you are not alone. We have the tools to come out of this stronger than we came in. We have this time for self-care and nurturing our soul. We know how to calm this storm and use the tools in our toolbox to stay grounded. My current toolbox consists of online yoga classes, meditation recordings, the CALM app, herbal teas, nourishing foods (yes I will risk going to the grocery store if I need to get fresh produce-currently not a hoarded item by panic shoppers), cozy clothes, essential oils like doTERRA Balance, Lavender and Deep Blue and my friends and family who are just a phone call or text away for support. We also have nature. Spend some time outside to breathe in some fresh air, take a meditation walk, forage or gather spring flowers. I am also so thankful for my dogs. I do not know what I would do without them. Pets = Joy. Learn from them. They are so happy you are home. And last but not least, do some spiritual work. We must have faith. Whether you believe in God or a divine power, know that something bigger than us is out there to answer our prayers. If we use all of these tools we have the ability to regulate our emotions, sustain our mental and physical health and we will get through this together.
If you would like to practice with me I am teaching Yoga for Stress Relief on Thursdays at 4:15 pm Live on Facebook @jennydaytonyoga and Saturdays, vinyasa flow at 10:00 am. Classes are 45 minutes and all donations can be made via Venmo to @OmBody. Classes are archived on my Facebook page as well under the videos tab or scroll through my news feed. I can also schedule private online lessons via Zoom at a reduced rate. Email mountainyogashala@gmail.com to schedule.
My homework for you today is to set an intention that honors your truth. Plant seeds for new beginnings. We are going to unleash all of our grit once this is all over and come out of this stronger than ever, stronger for ourselves, stronger for mother nature and stronger for humankind. We got this!
Namaste,
Jenny
