TURN UP YOUR LIGHT
At 83, I’m definitely in the high-risk group for coronavirus, but no, I’m not going to tell you to wash your hands and use antiseptic wipes when putting gas in your car. You’ve already heard or read the precautions for avoiding the coronavirus and it’s all good information.
Instead, I want to share what I consider to be equally important: avoid like the plague fear and worry. Anxieties weaken your immune system, which is the defense mechanism the body uses to keep you safe from bacteria and viruses. It’s natural to ingest germs and bacteria and it’s your body’s immune system’s job to destroy them quickly to keep you from getting sick. However, fear and worry create the stress hormone Cortisol which weakens your immune system and makes it harder to fight off the intruders.
I’m a big worrywart. I know it and it’s one of the reasons I have daily practices to elevate myself from fear and worry. Although I more frequently wash my hands now, dying of coronavirus is not a big concern for me. I know that death will happen one way or another, and at this age, sooner rather than later. Instead, my fear is how coronavirus affects my quality of life while I’m still on earth.
I’ve been using affirmations and my habitual saying, “Something good will come of this,” but those just seem to be all about me: my fears, my livelihood, my hopes. Recently while talking with my daughter Summer, she suggested taking my concerns of coronavirus and its economic effects out of the realm of fear and into helping the world. For example, she suggested that when I wash my hands, I could say, “I take action for the good of all. May we all be healthy and live in a healthy, sustainable earth.” Helping the world could also be advocacy for immigrants, or calling a loved one or community member, or meditating to help cultivate presence. Whatever the form, seeing the situation as a call to service realigns us with positive, inclusive solutions, Summer said. She is so wise.
Spiritual teacher, Donna Mitchell-Moniak, says that opening our hearts to compassion and love and empathy for fellow human beings strengthens our heart-lung respiratory system. In her latest meditation blog, blazinglight.net, she says, “Pray for others, pray for humanity and the world. Radiate the goodness in your heart. Doing so fosters kindness, calm and empathy in others while also energetically supporting your immune system.”
Yes, my worries have turned down the light of my soul and distracted me from keeping my heart open. If they have for you too, let’s work together to turn up the LIGHT and radiate it out into the world.
Love and Blessings,
Ellen
No Responses Yet to “TURN UP YOUR LIGHT”