Sharing Spirit

Look outside. Despite what’s going on in the world, Mother Earth knows that she is an essential worker and she is doing her thing. Here in Massachusetts, the lively robins and emerging blooms are giving me a sense of normalcy that has been absent lately. These signs of spring tell me that the wheel of the year is still turning. That even in the face of pain and suffering, life goes on and there are opportunities for beautiful things.

Pandemic is a scary word. We not only have to worry about the virus but also the possibility of food insecurity and job loss, and social unrest. Many of us are mostly confined to our homes with some occasional trips to the grocery store and maybe a good, long walk every day. While we may, at times, feel down because life has changed, I can’t help but think that this was all meant to be. Sometimes our sense of normalcy needs to be shaken up. We are being called to look inward, not only into ourselves, but into our families and our communities.

Before we can nurture our connections with others, we first need to focus on self-care. To find peace and love within ourselves. We simply don’t have much to give to others if that foundation isn’t firmly in place. Make the effort to reflect on what you can do to feel better. To nurture yourself. It could be as simple as changing a self-critical inner voice or fitting in a little alone time. Make small changes. I promise you that you have the power to manifest that.

Next, we need to work hard to make sure our chosen families are strong. It is especially important to be there for those closest to you right now. How can you be more supportive? Sometimes it is as simple as checking in with people more often in these challenging times. In order to keep things peaceful within our own homes, we may need to confront some uncomfortable truths. Do you need to communicate more or be gentler with someone? Do you need to set some boundaries? Maybe you’re realizing that you need to spend money more wisely or restructure overall family priorities. Difficult times give us the opportunity to grow, but we need to be willing to put in the work.

Finally, we need to ask ourselves how we can contribute to our community. I will tell you that this has been the greatest struggle for me in all of this. I’ve asked the universe what my purpose is—what am I here to do for others? I see healthcare workers and first responders bravely putting themselves out there, teachers adapting their lives to continue to give children some structure, truck drivers working hard to make sure we all have what we need, and everyday folks doing things like sewing masks to protect their community members or providing meals to those in need. Being an extreme introvert who also cares deeply about the Earth and its creatures can be complicated and challenging. How do I navigate the need to spend a lot of time alone and still share myself with others? Once again, I have come back to the same message as I have been given since I was fourteen. Write!

Just like the wheel of the year keeps turning and coming back to the same simple truths, I have been reminded of my purpose to share my writing. While not a profession that is thought of as nurturing, the shared experience of being a soul in living form is made timeless by artists. We represent life’s moments through our work. We nurture souls. I know I’m not alone when I say that a story or poem has saved my life. It is said that stories offer readers “mirrors and windows”—mirrors to see ourselves in other’s experiences and windows to let us look in on other’s realities. This is what I have to offer to the world. A look inside my window. Maybe you will see a reflection of yourself.

How will you nurture yourself and others during this difficult time?  

~ Peace and Love, Tracey

And Dude,

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to nurture ourselves, am I right? It doesn’t only look like exercise and a healthy diet. So I thought I would share a few ideas I would like to try: A pinterest board of boho nature crafts, ideas for aromatherapy rituals, and a video with yoga poses for anxiety and stress.

© Tracey Love, 2020. All rights reserved.