I have found that recently I have been feeling really fed up of the lockdown and Covid-19. The weather has been pretty awful and I haven’t felt like walking as much as I usually do. I have been struggling to keep on keeping on!
There are lots of things in my toolkit as it were that I know that can help me, but sometimes you just have to admit that the situation is pretty shit and that it’s ok to not be ok.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s ok to admit that you are struggling. We all suffer at times. We all need help at times. I have had extra hugs off my husband and taken some time out to just let myself BE. I let myself have a good cry and felt better afterwards. If you are feeling like this then now is the time to increase your self-care.
For me, being in nature is deeply important. I find such comfort and solace being surrounded by trees. This week we’ve had a few sunny days with bright blue skies. I immediately felt so much better. I went for longer walks and really enjoyed listening to the birds, feeling the wind on my face, seeing the buds and catkins on the trees and the daffodils and crocuses.
This year more than ever Spring is such a welcome glimpse of hope. The light is at the end of the tunnel with the Government roadmap out of lockdown. I am really looking forward to seeing my family and friends again. I long to sit in a restaurant and enjoy a meal somebody else cooked!
I attended a Mindfulness retreat recently and we did a Mindfulness on nature practice. I loved this quote:
“Breathing in the earth is part of me, breathing out I am part of the earth.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
I think sometimes we forget that we are part of the earth. Spending some time quietly being in the woods really helped me remember that.
Here’s some ideas for getting the most out of spending time in nature:
- Pay attention to the colours, shapes and textures of the plants, trees and flowers.
- Listen carefully to the birds, wind and any other sounds you can hear.
- Feel your feet on the ground and notice the different sensations as you walk on grass, paths, mud etc.
- See if you can see things you haven’t noticed before or see things differently if you are walking the in the same place.
Ask For Help
Remember that it is ok to ask for help. Do not compare yourself with others. We all have different experiences and resources. You do not need to be learning a new language, skill or being creative. It’s ok if you are just managing to get out of bed and make it through the day.
If you would like some support, I offer Distance Reiki and online Mindfulness or EFT sessions.
Just drop me an email and I will be pleased to help.
Keep on keeping on!
Louise