coping with COVID19 Archives

A new year brings hope and here we are in January, knowing we will slowly have more light in our days ahead. That’s a given with the rhythms of nature that we can count on. Even with a new year, we will still need to cope with the demands and stresses of each day. Uncertainty about the future still permeates our minds.

In the midst of all this uncertainty, I’m grateful for Tai Chi and for connecting online with my students each week these last ten months. With three weekly classes, we take the opportunity to greet each other, smile and move our energy together. We have the ancient wisdom of Tai Chi and its gentle, slow movements to help us reduce anxiety, promote balance and well-being.

Last week I asked my students to reflect on how Tai Chi has helped them cope with the isolation, devastating consequences of loved ones contracting COVID19, and other difficult days that we’ve been living through. I’m warmed by the wonderful comments they shared with me. Today and in future days, I’m going to share them with you. Whether or not you practice Tai Chi, hearing how others cope can be helpful and inspiring.

“As with so much else this year of 2020 I have mixed feelings about class via Zoom. I miss seeing everyone in person, but am extremely grateful that we can continue learning and practicing this way — and I don’t have to drive home after class.” – Irene

“I really enjoy our time together and I’ve found Tai Chi a great way to ‘keep moving,’ not only during this pandemic but also as a regular practice with a wonderful integration of mind, body and spirit.” – Martha

“Doing Tai Chi has been a great comfort during the COVID pandemic. I always feel a sense of calm come over me when class starts and Arlene gently reminds us to bring out minds into the room and into our practice. As I’ve been doing Tai Chi for 6 years now, my body knows these slow movements and relishes the gentle release and centeredness they bring. In addition, tuning into the class and seeing familiar faces of the other students brings a nice sense of community and connection during this time of separation and isolation.” – Julia

May each of us to find a way to have a few minutes of stillness to clear our heads, breathe and also find ways to connect with others. Thank you, Tai Chi friends, for helping me do that.

Uncertainty fills our days right now. We cannot see this COVID-19, except in the terrifying effects it wreaks on human well-being. We fear the effects of this unseen killer because we have mothers, fathers, children and friends who have taken seriously ill. Too many have died.

Some of us are staying inside most of the time. Others, the “essential” workers are out helping the public, in hospitals, grocery stores, fighting fires, etc., to help us get well, to help us stay safe. It is a strange time with no certainty about when we might not fear the wrath of this virus on a daily basis.

The most common question I have received as a Tai Chi teacher is “What is the most important thing I can do to center myself, to reduce my anxiety?” My answer is “breathe.” Take 3 seconds to breathe in; hold your breath for 3 seconds; breathe out for 3 seconds. Anxiety and stress cause us to shorten our breath, tense our neck muscles, feel lethargic. Breathing helps. Stretching helps. Walking helps. Eating nutritious foods helps.

For individuals fortunate enough to have time and internet availability, there are many options for exercising, listening to music, laughing with comedians and participating in energy generating classes like Tai Chi and Yoga.I feel blessed to have Tai Chi to reduce stress, get the kinks out, increase balance. One of the best features of a class is experiencing the connection with other students, seeing their smiles an creating energy. Getting out of the house, leaving the office to go to a designated space for class is a memory right now. Shutdowns in March. In person classes disappeared. We need to stay apart, at least 6 feet from each other, wear a mask, wash our hands, then wash our hands again. The world changed quickly when COVID-19 started ti spread. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to cope, reduce anxiety, keep our bodies and mind as strong as possible.

The new world of Tai Chi for me is online. I currently lead three classes a week and although we see each other in tiny rectangles on a screen, we continue to see each other’s faces, connect as best we can. The energy of us moving together comes right through the screen. I feel it.

We all need to keep moving. A Tai Chi resource for you: www.youtube.com/faulktaichi

Coping in a Difficult Time

Universal Uncertainty