R U aligned with optimal wellbeing or the fear of disease?

In my typical transparent fashion, in my commitment to live and work authentically, I’ll be honest in sharing that last week was a hard one. Sometimes life is just difficult and I think we can all relate as we face our own challenges and losses in COVID lockdown. 

On top of receiving more gory updates from the mass casualty inquiry and enduring another monthly anniversary on the 18th and 19th, I received my COVID vaccine. All of this strain on my system seemed to snatch every ounce of my energy and I just wanted to stay in bed. However, my morning walks are providing so much nourishment these days, with the warming weather and early sun rises, so I dragged my sorry bones out of bed to catch that early morning magic. 

Enjoying the sparkling brook flowing into the ocean and savoring the warm glow of the sun shining over the horizon, I recited my abundance mantra, praying to feel better. While I meandered along the paved trail, an elderly couple ran past me, looking energized and fully alive. I thought to myself “That’s amazing to have the joints and the stamina to run at their age” and then returned to my chanting, invoking an abundance of all things good. 

As I approached the corner that would take me away from the road and along the water’s edge, I saw them once again. They had done a loop of the nature trail and circled back around. My wonder rose as I watched them run with a strong, determined gait. Just before the hill, they stopped to take a breath and I thought to myself “Makes sense, they’re going to walk now”… and then they both took off sprinting…up the freaking hill! My jaw dropped and I said “Ok Universe, I’m listening, my mind is blown!” 

In case my message wasn’t clear enough though, I saw them one more time out of the corner of my eye as I followed the path along the water. They had circled another loop of the trail in record time and at the base of the hill, they paused to check their watches. Then, you guessed it, they took off sprinting yet again up the steep incline and disappeared into the woods like two adolescent deer.

As I rounded the path that opened up to the expanse of the northwest arm with views of the open ocean, a smile arose from the inside out. It was crystal clear to me that I was just provided with the gift of a paradigm shift. By witnessing their inspiring demonstration of health and vitality, I was able to see that I had been aligning my thoughts and energy with darkness and ill-health, ruminating about the toxic details of the inquiry and worrying about the detrimental effects of the vaccine. I took deep cleansing breaths, and continued my mantra work inviting my whole heart and mind to focus on wellbeing and beauty.

It is my hope that you too can let your perspective be blown by this story of the active elderly pair and expand your idea of what’s possible during these uncertain times. Let’s remember the infinite healing capacity of our bodies, and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through even the darkest moments. I have no doubt that by practicing the tools of our ancient wisdom teachers, it’s possible to emerge out of the chaos of this pandemic to even greater heights of health, happiness and wisdom. As always, I welcome your thoughts, so please reach out or comment and share your reflections!