A New Era Gives Birth to New Values
© Cristina Gottardi
Many of us question if there will be a ‘life as usual’ to return to after this ordeal.
The biggest challenge that the Coronavirus is throwing at us, I feel, is that nobody knows how life will be post-CV (as I call the Coronavirus). This induces a lot of fear, anxiety, or – at the least it seems – frustration and anger.
We are living through a collective change, and although restrictions may be lifted, remnants of the trauma – the scare, the grief and the emotional pain – will be there. Most likely, there won’t be a ‘life as usual’ or a ‘business as usual’ post-CV, no matter what. There will forever be the “before” and “after”.
The Coronavirus pandemic points to issues around coping with the unknown and the outright scary. Therefore, it seems to me that the virus is shifting us, not only in terms of considering how we organize our society, but also on a deeper level.
What can I control when everything seems to be out of control?
This is what I am interested in exploring. How do we relate to ourselves and to the world around us? Is the silver lining that some long overdue shifts will have occurred in our innermost being? Here are some ‘insights’ that I can see coming to be, thanks to the CV:
The Present Moment is Precious
Sometimes it is true that we don’t know what we’ve got until it’s gone. And so, as we deal with the potential loss of the most essential things around us, be it people, things, particular habits or even everything we’ve come to rely on to keep us safe and sound, we are having to face that new reality.
The virus, I feel, teaches us to appreciate what we do have. It could be that we mourn what we have lost, but by the same token this can help us press the refresh button and appreciate what is still there. If we took things for granted before the virus, we may feel inclined not to repeat this mistake after it. The ability to walk around freely without fear of getting infected will hopefully soon return, with us being able to appreciate each moment of a life that we are alive. Sitting in a restaurant with friends may become a special occasion in its own right, as will most likely that of boarding a plane to enjoy a vacation. Things that we have taken for granted.
In Spain, before catching the last flight out of the country, I witnessed the rush for essentials inducing long queues at the pharmacies, almost like a huge wave rushing inland. And yet there was a serene sense of peace pervading the beach restaurant where I had my lunch. The sun was shining on people’s faces and it felt almost as if time stood still, I think because people were appreciating the ability to simply sit in the sunshine to eat with a new gusto. A privilege that could be taken away at the next moment, as it was.
A Variety of Experiences are to be Appreciated
It’s a privilege to still be alive. Perhaps especially, as it would prove, for people working on the front lines. Even people working at supermarket check outs, but for sure doctors and nurses who now literally risk their lives every day to save others.
Make a list of what you value, right now. It may be that many things you used to take for granted come to mind. Post-CV, revisit the list and write a few words about how it felt to have the experience again – if that is possible.
For now, though, remember that you always have a choice how you see an experience. That choice is not being taken away by CV. Instead it is now that we are asked to become more aware of our thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Given the many stimuli we are experiencing, we want to empower ourselves to find that gap in our thoughts before we respond to avoid unconscious behaviour patterns of being in fear and anxiety. As hard it may sound as empowering it is: You always have a choice over your reaction to any situation.
A Daily Practice can help to Experience that Gap
One morning, recently, as I got up from my meditation, it struck me that perhaps not everyone is aware of how much having a daily practice can ground us. But also, that some people may have realised it, if not before, then during the weeks and months that the CV has so far plagued us. After all, many people are currently telling us this via the news and social media. Even Her Majesty the Queen spoke recently about slowing down through meditation.
We live in defining times and it might be that some have come to experience that it is possible to remain calm through the most turbulent of times. And that almost any inner work can support us more than almost anything else.
This is my Protective High Vibration Energy Ritual
I do every morning before I set out for the day and sometimes during the day. It is aimed at energetic protection and only takes a few minutes to do:
– Strengthen your radiant field – your aura- by breathing out white golden light into the field.
– Imagine how this field around you expands.
– Feel the energy of protection. And repeat several times.
Now, more than ever, I appreciate my practice to stay centred. It helps me to remain as the observer, witnessing my internal world of thoughts and emotions rather than getting ripped along into drama. I try to ensure that my actions spring from my centre, not from whatever current thought prevails in the world. Clearly, I can’t control what’s happening in the world, but I sure can have a say about how I am responding to it.
I’m actually grateful that the universe has brought to us this opportunity to slow down and speaking to others: I am not alone. It is my conviction that as we learn to re-focus on ourselves in a different way, we will re-connect with core human values that I believe got lost during the industrial era and information age, in the greedy pursuit of wealth. As one of my Chinese clients said, whilst the lockdown was happening,
“The borders may be closing, but our hearts are opening”
I believe that this global crisis is teaching us to heal. Mother Earth and humanity, both want to be healed, and above all I am convinced that we are asked to return to values of love and compassion. And love is the opposite of fear, really. Although thanks to the virus it may be that the fear of losing life is evoking in us a newfound love of life. In suffering lies the questioning of our purpose or mission in life.
Perhaps as borders are closed, we feel closer than ever before, as one human race. And perhaps practicing this radical kind of gratitude for what is (even if most would say it’s “bad”) is keeping me safe.
Adversity Supports Spiritual Growth
Life is a performance. Of course, we will keep getting tested, or what’s the point of life? After all, life is here for us to grow. Spirituality is simply removing layers of conditioning and transforming emotional pain to become one with who we truly are, because by doing so we align with what I see as being the ultimate point of all of the earthly evolution – a spiritual growth into actually embodying a divine love. I do think that most have experienced adversity in their lives and can see that vulnerability is strength.
Stay healthy, stay strong, and Be Love!
Much love,
Claudia
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More about Claudia Roth
I believe in the connection of body-mind-spirit. This makes up the foundation for healing, as I have myself experienced. Post a corporate high-profile career in luxury hospitality my mission is to help those who want to live a more connected and soulful life.
Convinced that embracing the fullest and truest version of myself is the only healthy way to live, I practice Quantum Energy Coaching. In addition, I write, speak and consult and have just published my first journal. “A 28 Days Guided Journey to Self Love” is available on Amazon.
All original material copyright © 2020 Claudia Roth