Sainte Chapelle in Paris, France
I love visiting cathedrals during mass and alone when there are less people or none. I can feel the presence of the Divine and the prayers that have been prayed with supplication. The coronavirus pandemic has brought about lockdowns, social distancing and self-isolation limiting our ability to go to sacred sites or church to receive the infusion of Divine presence. In these times of trail and uncertainty, we have an opportunity to grow closer to God.
This global pandemic has brought us energetically together in a collective experience and highlighted our vulnerability and frailty to an invisible virus. Many people around the world are experiencing tremendous fear, helplessness, worry, grief, anxiety and depression. This pandemic of fear can create an alienation from God and a longing to remember our connection to Source and our soul.
In this worldly pause where everything has slowed down in our lives, there is an opportunity to rediscover who we are, connect to the Divine in a deeper way and reassess our gifts and talents and how we may serve humanity. Some of us may stay in the same jobs or areas of interest but others may expand or shift focus recognizing new opportunities and blessings available. We can be a light in the darkness, and share faith and hope to the world. Calling upon the Trinity can open our heart and mind to wisdom, peace, supernatural strength, courage, comfort, grace and healing. There is an opportunity for a profound spiritual awakening as we traverse into this death and rebirth or renewal cycle of our lives.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Developing a spiritual practice at home that brings the Divine into your daily life is so important in our spiritual development. It is helpful to pick a frequency and time of day when you will not be interrupted. Set an intention such as connecting with the “still small voice” within you and deepening your relationship to the Divine. You can bring your fears, concerns, needs and desires to God and Jesus. You have the opportunity to begin to see your life and the challenges from a different perspective.
I have listed several suggestions that may be beneficial to incorporate into your life. Prayer, meditation, contemplation, yoga, deep breathing, worship and being in nature can provide an important role in this pandemic. These practices can lessen inflammation in the body, reduce the stress response, decrease an overactive autonomic nervous system, calm the mind from anxiety, lower blood pressure, increase endorphins, create better sleep patterns and increase the immune system.
The wisdom of the slogans of Al-Anon come to mind to assist during this time of transition and change: “One day at a time,” “Let go and let God,” “Don’t be blow about by every wind.” “Thy will be done not mine,” “But for the grace of God,” “Just for today,” “Let it begin with me” and “Together we can make it.”
I receive comfort from this St. Francis’ prayer: “Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.” May you receive the love and peace of the Trinity in these times.
Namaste,
Kristi