It shocked and amazed me yesterday how so many people were going about their daily business almost as though it were a normal day, back when getting close to each other was not at all the risk to our health and that of our loved ones that it has now become.
It’s no surprise that such a laissez-faire attitude has brought us to the point where we are now, waking up today to strict social controls, a feeling of being in frightening unknown territory, and a rise in uncertainty and concern when you consider how the virus has spread throughout other European countries.
Despite expecting the announcement yesterday I still felt a little numb and shocked at such a dramatic event unfold. It’s quite literally unprecedented.
How do we keep the stress and anxiety levels down in such times?
I have several anchors that keep me afloat when in troubled waters facing storms of uncertainty. Training is obviously one and is a bitlg part of my daily routine now as much as ever. Another source of calmness is the Tao Te Ching. The 6th Century manuscript written by Lao Tzu.
Part of a verse now springs to mind:
“A violent wind does not last for a whole morning,
A sudden rain does not last the whole day”.
We find ourselves in a terrible situation right now but like all things, it will pass, the violent storm will end and the rains will cease.
It’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever and despite retreating inwards now, if we are careful and look after ourselves and those closest to us, Yang will transform into Yin as it always does, and our situation will be transformed.
It’s also important that you have your anchors. What brings you back to balance when it feels like things could be spiralling out of control, when uncertainty and anxiety set in and take root?
It’s really worth considering and knowing or finding what works for you personally.
For me it’s training, the Tao Te Ching, being present for everyone in the club, writing blogs and a journal, walking my dog, reading Mandarin, music, a small close-knit group of family and friends.
It’s worth thinking about what it is for you, and if you’re waking up today with a feeling of anxiety and worry, also know that you have some things that you can rely on and find solace in as we wait for the violent wind to become a warm, calming breeze and the veil of the sudden rains to lift and reveal a bright new day.
