Pandemic Thoughts

This morning as I was making my bed, a wave of sadness swept over me.  I thought: here we go again, another day inside, dark times around the world with no end in sight.  And then very gently, a quotation bubbled up inside “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  I don’t usually think in Psalms, so I sat down and let its message wash over me.  And in that reflection, I realized, This IS the day the Lord made.  This particular day, in the middle of a pandemic, is still God’s perfect creation, a glorious day full of wonder.  How I rejoice and be glad in it will depend on how I choose to approach it.  What will I learn today?  How will I find beauty?  How will I hold on to the sweetness of morning meditation?  How can I serve more fully?

Then I remembered when I was pregnant with Byron, my Spiritual Teacher Gurumayi gave me a red bracelet that said “Choose Happiness”. So I went to look at it. As I was remembering the joy of that interchange, the day she gave it to me,  I realized that these times right now, are the exact times when I must choose happiness.  Even when it’s really hard.   

If I look for it, it is there. The birds in my yard are so happy right now.  They are flitting around building nests, preening in the sunshine.  The squirrels are happily munching on seeds from the feeder.  My dog is snoozing in a warm patch of sunshine.  Perfection.  Happiness.  

Byron is flourishing in his virtual school.  He continues to be on honor. role, is healthy and strong, and a typical 13 year old. Our house is warm, comfortable and easy to be in for long periods of time.  We have abundant nourishing food.  And I am so spiritually renewed by the satsangs live streamed from the Ashram where I offer service. 

I realize that I also can pick and choose what I focus on in the news.  There is so much goodness everywhere right now.  Heroes are being made from these times.  True leaders are emerging. The creativity of the musicians, artists, actors is staggering.  And the sweetness of calls and Zooms with friends and family can’t be beat.

I was taking a walk with Byron the other day and I was truly enjoying the sun on my face.  A feeling of warm bliss overtook me.  I hadn’t remembered being so present to myself and my surroundings on a walk in a long time.  And on that day I realized that I am changing. I am slowing down. I am appreciating the tiny movements of life in ways that I hadn’t so much before.  I am appreciating my family, good health, and moments like these.

So onwards! I will Choose Happiness.  Every day, Each day, This day!