Shelter in Place.
Until the coronavirus and its immediate effects have passed, I’ve set aside my previous content plans for Quiet Karma. Those included a presentation of yoga’s basic principles. Instead, I’ll share smaller bits of advice—lessons I’ve learned through study and practice—that will help us get through this crisis together.
As a young girl, I had the good fortune of joining the Girl Scouts. (A huge thank you to my mother who encouraged that membership!) The lessons I learned with my fellow Scouts served me throughout my life. We studied tools that helped us be safe, learned how to be good citizens, and were taught how to endure hardship. Our prime motto: be prepared.
As a young Scout, I didn’t know anything about “the spiritual path.” I dutifully attended Sunday School classes and respected The Ten Commandments. And the world seemed like a safe and friendly place.
Sometimes our youthful education is lost to memory. But now, under my community’s mandate of shelter-in-place, these lessons arise with clarity in my mind, like a reflection in a newly-cleaned mirror that was long covered in dust. I see how those old Girl Scout tools, my choice to live yoga as my spiritual path, and even Sunday School have molded the inner character that guides me during this worldwide crisis.
Today’s Suggestion:
If you’re like other world citizens today, you might have some unexpected time on your hands. Rest assured, that extra time will pass. Let’s take advantage of it now so we’re better prepared for the world that emerges after this crisis.
In the spirit of preparedness, I published this post in 2018. The article suggests how to use unexpected gifts of time:
A Gift of Time for Spiritual Practice
It’s my sincere wish that the nuggets of wisdom I share in the next several weeks will help you in some personal way. If so, please share them with others in your circle. Feel free to contribute helpful advice of your own, either in the comments section below or through the various links for social media. Let’s stay connected, as humans are so driven to do. We share similar concerns during this time. So let’s also share the life lessons that give us strength. We never know who needs to hear what’s worked for us.
Above all, stay positive. Look for the ever-present silver lining. And smile—to yourself and others. We’re on our way to better days!
Chityānanda has been a disciple of Svāmī Gurupremānanda Sarasvatī since 1975. She teaches meditation and yoga as a spiritual path in Santa Cruz, California.
I feel restless. Meditation is difficult as my mind constantly wanders. I am concerned about the wellbeing of others. Given all that I struggle with (yes, self inflicted) I still try to remain the witness of my surroundings. Peace is within.
Good note, James: “Peace is within.” It’s always there. Sometimes our worldly distractions make it more difficult to experience that peace. All the more reason to keep meditating, whether or not we see results. Namaste.
Sue and I were just having a discussion on this current dilemma that humanity is facing, that it is probably a wake-up call as part of Chiti’s play of consciousness. Humanity seems to be finally coming together, as it should. Pollution has gone down, the rich are supporting the needy, countries are working together, etc. Before this occurrence, I felt that humanity was on a road to self destruction, either that, or Chiti would send down another asteroid, to wipe the table clean, for a new start. Anyway, let’s hope something good comes out of this. ?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Tosh. I wholeheartedly agree that something good will come of out this current situation. People are rallying to help others, as you mentioned. And I expect to see global changes that will benefit humanity over the long run. Blessings often come in disguise! Namaste.
May we have a blessed 4-month “corona” season! May it become an annual event! Ah, the earth is breathing a sigh of relief and her skies are quickly absorbing the overload of air pollution. The blessed quietness absorbs the overload of pollution from excessive social chatter. Thank you for the reminder to use this glorious opportunity wisely.
You’re most welcome, Elizabeth! Not sure I agree with the 4-month idea, but I appreciate your pointing out that there is a positive way to look at this situation. Indeed, the more we look for the “silver lining” the more we will see it. Yesterday, I was traveling on a highway that is always congested during that time. Traffic was not slowed in the least. No accidents; no stress. I was appreciating that silver lining. Can you think of any more? Namaste.
It’s been over a week with this ‘stay it home’ order. The virus itself is nasty and I don’t like it. But, all sickness is an unpleasant part of life. I think as Yogis (people who want to spiritually evolve) we should not dwell on the unpleasantries of life, rather, we should make haste and meditate now.
You speak the truth, O Wise Person! There are so many lessons to be learned from this crises, and there is no time to lose. How many people were alive and well just a month ago–and are now gone. I pray that some of them were yogis and met their end with grace and joy. Namaste.