To find a moment of awe, wonder, and enchantment.
(Even in the middle of a pandemic)
I know you’re probably reading the title and then the subtitle of this post and asking, “Is she insane? Finding wonder in the midst of a global quarantine?”
I believe it’s the key to begin our healing and moving through this and unfolding beyond it.
I don’t know where you are in your quarantine or Stay in Place mandate, but I’m in the middle of my 4th week. There was one point where an entire week felt like one long day and that’s when I came to the conclusion that I need to approach this as the invitation it is, to come to know myself, my life and the world a little differently.
It is the slowing down and pausing. It is the realization that each and every one of us is having an independent experience and reaction to what is happening in the COVID-19 pandemic, even if we are sharing this with people in the same house.
No two people are having the same experience. It is a line in the sand of, “before and after the pandemic.” All of us will be and have been, greatly changed.
There are a couple of constants that I hold dear; the beauty and wonder of life.
I love those moments when I am left Wonderstruck. The surprising thing is, those little moments of wonder are still happening even while we are in our homes. In fact, wonder can be the doorway to self-care and healing, exploration and discovery.
I’ll be creating The Wonder Chronicles posts as invitations for us to explore and experience during these intense and difficult days. To bring moments of ease, calm and centeredness.
The Wonder Chronicles | Wonder Walks
In the northern hemisphere, Spring is here and blooming. In the southern hemisphere, Autumn is amongst you. One of my saving graces during this COVID time is taking my daily walk. There are so many places out in nature to explore. I pick a new area each day. I realize some of you may be in a complete lockdown and are only able to go out for short periods at a time. Getting outside is one of the best ways to create stillness.
I realized at about day 10 that the outdoor world, nature, has no clue what is going on for us humans. When I’m outside I can become entranced and enthralled by what’s happening in the natural world.
Artist Amy T. Won has this amazing deck of cards called the Wonder Deck.
I pick two cards and let them inspire me on my walks. Oftentimes these inspirations lead to creative inspirations later. They are definitely a catalyst for the journey within.
Another thing I’ve been doing is opening all the doors and windows daily to feel the seasons change from Winter to Spring, to hear the birds sing loudly in all their Spring fervor.
The Wonder Chronicles | Labyrinths
Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is to find a labyrinth to walk. If you can’t find one that’s open near you, enjoy a finger labyrinth. I’ve written a lot about labyrinths lately. You can find my posts here and here.
For both Wonder Walks and Labyrinth Journeys, I’ve created a playlist.
The Wonder Chronicles | Meditation
I have been listening to this incredible meditation “I am Loving Awareness” from the Rework Album. It is a short six minutes and it always succeeds in getting back to feeling completely centered and grounded.
Other Ways to Cope and be Kind to YOU
Sara Auster is hosting sound meditations 3 times a week on her Instagram @saraauster. Tues/Thurs @ Noon, Saturdays at 5 pm EST with her husband Alex Falk.
Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey are hosting a 21-day meditation specifically to get us through these challenging times. Unlike other 21 day meditations, they will be leaving this up until June. Finding Hope in Uncertain Times
Art Therapy
Though I’m a Creative, I’m not an artist at all. So when an artist I greatly admire started offering “Draw the Feeling” on her Instagram Live I thought it didn’t pertain to me, until it did. I live for these incredible healing art sessions which anyone can do. None of our art will hang in a museum after this, but you will feel way better when you are finished!
Enchanted Watching
Though I’m keeping abreast of what is going on with the COVID-19 situation, I do not watch endless hours of news broadcasts. I do, however, create intentional stream watching. I’ve discovered a couple of really lovely movies that I thought I’d share here.
Free on Amazon Prime
Storm Boy lives a lonely life with his reclusive father on a desolate coastline, but when he forms a close bond with a pelican, Mr. Percival, his life takes a new and unexpected turn.
After her controlling husband dies, an elderly woman embarks on a trip to fulfill her longtime dream of climbing a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.
Netflix
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
In 1946 a London-based writer begins exchanging letters with residents on the island of Guernsey, which was German-occupied during WWII. Feeling compelled to visit the island, she starts to get a picture of what it was like during the occupation.
I’d like to acknowledge that there are many who are suffering, stressed, and feeling hopeless. It is my intention that the above moments instill hope and give you a gentle reprieve. To give you the strength to face and endure these difficult times.
These gentle moments can also help to shift our perspectives on what we hold dear, what we need to let go of, what we are thankful for, and what matters most.
Gentle Journeys to all of You!!
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