Back to Basics

Like everyone, yesterday proved to be an emotionally interesting day. In the span of fifteen minutes I felt despair at the number of lives been affected and afflicted by the virus and then look around and think "what's the big deal?". I heard a doctor from Chicago on the news saying that if during the social distancing we feel like nothing big is happening in my world, that is the point. We need to isolate the virus and start containment. That doesn't change the fact that several lives will be altered when this ends. I am in and out of concerned for my brick and mortar yoga studio. At one point I think: "James, be grateful no one in your family is sick with this virus, you will figure it out." In the very next moment, I worry about the rent on the studio being paid and not exhausting my savings without knowing how long this could go on. At the end of the day, lives are more important than anything else. We will all always earn more money and we can restart because we are alive to do it so. Perhaps the answer is that every one of my students who is enjoying my Google Classroom will purchase another 10 class card, even if their original hasn't run down to add to their total. Luckily, these are my concerns not my health or the health of a loved one. The pictures I added to this post are from Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon. Seeing the water and the ducks really helped to center me. There were a lot of people walking, riding bikes, and just out living. We are all striving for some semblance of normalcy. Sure we are all burning excess energy to actually make us tired! I enjoyed my laps around the park. I was lucky that a good friend accompanied me and we were able to burn off mental, emotional, and physical steam. Funny how nature is always there for us, even when we relax our obligation to Mother Nature. Now is the time to return to basics. I am cleaning and organizing my apartment. I am also spending time with my cat, who seems only too pleased to have me around. This is the time to read a good book, have a great conversation, water the plants, plant a garden, enjoy a board game, and return ourselves to using our imagination and creativity to occupy our time. Finding ways to burn off excess energy to calm our anxiety and bring us clarity is essential. I favor yoga, long walks, bike rides, and cleaning. Everyone will have their own way. As long as it is constructive; it will serve a purpose. My 100 year old Aunt passed away in the midst of all this corona virus. I don't believe corona virus had anything to do with her passing. She is an amazing testament to living each day and pushing on through rough times to the better times. No Challenge No Change. In yogic philosophy: Titiksha. We are all digging deep into our Titiksha to find the courage and determination to get through this difficult time and return to easier days. The easier days will look different, but we will still be there to see them.