Monday Musings

The days go by so swiftly, even during this stay-at-home time during the pandemic. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been writing daily blog posts for over 3 months. The further we move through this and the more we learn and see, the longer it appears that some sort of social distancing will be needed.

Monday Musings

Here is my wisdom of the day for you — no matter how long this lasts and what eventually happens, pause and ask yourself, “In this moment am I okay?” If your answer is, “No,” then the next question to ask yourself is, “What do I need in this moment?”

I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling a little anxious or off kilter, asking those two questions help me relax, take a deep breath and ground myself. Usually what I need is to take a few moments to notice my body sensations, to breathe slowly and come back to myself. Perhaps I need to connect with a friend over the phone or take a walk in nature. Maybe I need to ask for help.

Yes! No!

by Mary Oliver

How necessary it is to have opinions! I think the spotted trout
lilies are satisfied, standing a few inches above the earth. I
think serenity is not something you just find in the world,
like a plum tree, holding up its white petals.

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like
small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,
looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No! The

swan, for all his pomp, his robes of grass and petals, wants
only to be allowed to live on the nameless pond. The catbrier
is without fault. The water thrushes, down among the sloppy
rocks, are going crazy with happiness. Imagination is better
than a sharp instrument. To pay attention, this is our endless
and proper work.

Interesting Podcast about Polyvagal Theory

I listened to a truly interesting podcast from Sounds True last night. It was called Befriending Your Nervous System and featured Deb Dana, LCSW, clinician and consultant specializing in complex trauma, and the coordinator of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. Since I’ve become fascinated with Polyvagal theory, this podcast was very interesting to me. I found Dana’s description of how the nervous system works, and how to befriend your own nervous system easy to understand, full of gentle compassion and kindness, and inspiration.

May you walk in beauty.