So this week I am trying to wrap my head around my daughter testing positive with COVID. She is absolutely fine, no symptoms whatsoever. In fact we only know she has COVID because every Sunday, since the beginning of September, part of our new Sunday ritual is getting out the lateral flow kits and carrying out a test. Normally we do this, report on the website and carry on with our day. But not this weekend!
Firstly there was a dramatic scream, and then the youngest sat down and went very pale. “Don’t worry” I shout, in a far too positive voice to mask my surprise, “maybe it is a faulty batch.” We get out another box of lateral flow tests and the whole process is repeated again. The test starts to reveal the result of two lines and not one; there are three of us standing over it, as if we can will it to be different. This time we have tears. The thing is, it isn’t the result of two lines, it is the panic of, what will happen to me? Where have I caught it? What about my dance lessons and seeing my friends? This is the fear that may have hit many of us as we work out what next and face the fear of COVID arriving in our homes.
It is the fact that this result is going to impact not just her, but her family. It is an emotional response of fear and panic that her life is unknown. Her well planned routine and “normal” is now feeling like chaos and the gentle waves of life, that gently roll in and out, have gotten rather turbulent out of nowhere.
There are so many things racing through our heads right now. My thoughts are including a list of things that I now need to do if my child tests positive, but also combined with, is she ok? Is anyone else in the house positive? But also include, the washing machine is beeping, the dog needs letting in and when shall I put the roast dinner in the oven? I continue to be amazed with the way that I can be in an emotional chaos and still be logical at the same time.
After calming her down with lots of hugs, explaining it will all be ok, followed by popcorn on the sofa and a good movie, I stepped outside on my own. For me chaos is just part of life. It is the lack of control in a situation that we have to adapt to. Life isn’t about controlling things, it is learning to live without control. So why outside? Because it is an instant way to get me out of my head and into my body. It is all about engaging with the senses. I am no use to anyone if I spiral out of control with everyone else’s emotions and panic, as it will result in me stomping around being shouty and that is going to give me a headache and get them upset.
So outside I breathe in the air and feel the change of temperature in my nose and on my skin. I stop now and take one deep breath and as I breathe out intentionally letting go of all that has just happened in the last 45 minutes. As I land in my body I notice the world that appears around me, the amber leaves on the ground, the smell of the log burner smoke from the chimney, the sound of children playing in a neighbour’s garden. I am now back in the real world of calm and openness. This is the place to now re-enter the house and deal with all the next steps. The crisis that I left now just feels like something to be sorted and coped with.
All the calls were made, instructions were then dished out and the chicken was put in the oven. Did I need to get all caught up in the whirlwind of COVID, well no, but I’m human. I was responding to the whirlwind of emotions of my children and my reaction to something that felt like a crisis at the time. We react to situations emotionally, mentally and physically. We have to show compassion and kindness in situations to others but also to ourselves. There are no tears now and we move into this week knowing that virtual lessons are part of our lives again. So calm can be found in and amongst the chaos of situations, but we have to remember to take responsibility and make ourselves calm. It isn’t someone else’s responsibility and we owe it to ourselves not to be caught up in the emotional and mental whirlwind of situations, for our well-being, as well as for everyone else around us. Less drama all round.
Getting out of other people’s fears and upset is so important, in order to help ourselves. We can find compassion in the calm and it is a reminder that we don’t have to get caught up in crisis mode all the time.
As we move into the Holiday Season this is a helpful reminder to just check in with myself to remember that if chaos arrives, to just take a few moments to get back into my body so that I can deal with whatever unfolds with compassion and discernment.
As this post goes out, we have a new variant and an increasing number of people who we know are caring for loved ones or are sick with COVID. Our thoughts are with you and we wish every one of our readers that you are able to keep well and those who are poorly, a speedy recovery. Rest and listen to what your body needs and when you are feeling stronger get outside when you can, get to soak up the supportive energies from nature and breathe in the calm.
The 2022 Forecast is now available. In it Kim mentions the importance of using our intuition and getting into alignment. When the world is struggling with fear, remember to keep centered and in your own lane. Don’t let the mind get carried away on a journey into an unhelpful place, bring your attention back to your heart, breathe in the seasonal, lunar and astrological energies and use these to support you. “The stars give you the support you need to thrive instead of survive” (P.13 Forecast 2022 K.Woods) Download your forecast here for more information on getting the most from 2022.
If you have a way that helps you shift back into Keeping Calm and Carry On, I would love to hear all about it.
Wishing you a magical Day,
Steph
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