In mid-March 2020 after Covid-19 has been declared a pandemic and panic began to spread in the U.S., I invited practitioners to share their reflections on practicing in a pandemic. No one’s life has been untouched by the outbreak. In the midst of rapidly rising infection cases and news of potential shortages and possibility of overwhelmed hospitals, we are presented with an excellent opportunity to practice. Practice remembering to use the method to calm the mind so that we can remember to practice hand hygiene and maintain social distance. Practice cultivating total clear awareness so that we do not fall into hopelessness by focusing only on the negative news. Practice cultivating compassion and allowing love to touch our heart amidst the suffering in the world. (Rebecca Li, 3/19/2020)
After spending hours on the computer, reading email updates from work that invoked new contingency plans, catching up on rapidly changing government actions that impacted all aspects of life, learning about social distancing, checking in with family and friends, coming up with plans to be of service, I looked up and saw these beautiful white clouds floating in the blue sky, unperturbed. Gratitude and love filled my heart. What a precious opportunity to practice! (by Rebecca Li)
What Panic? (by Lee Harrison)
It’s not that I don’t understand or respect the mortal danger.
It’s not that the world does not seem strange, but what about it was not already strange?
Allow joy into our hearts as spring starts
To remind us that life continues
Amidst distressing news day after day
That this horror will not stay
(by Rebecca Li)
