When I think about this time that we are sheltered in place… some with families, some with friends, some alone... what really comes to mind is striving to find peace, and romanticising thoughts of the rising phoenix, emerging stronger and with a firm sense of what really matters. Is it possible to use this time for positive psychology and self betterment? Can we battle the old faulty patterns of emotional (dys)regulation?

Research shows us that human interaction and touch are healing, and so many of us are being deprived. We’re isolated, living in a world crisis without our usual social and physical outlets. Many of our support systems are inaccessible. Our villages are distant. Friends and loved ones are struck with illness, and many have lost their lives. There is anxiety blowing in the air. Right now more than ever, we have to dig deep to find that light inside, and strive to shine it brightly. We have to push to find new ways to exercise, to preserve our diets, and change our daily habits when faced with limited resources. We have to find happiness. We have to make it work. We have to survive.

Some of us are able to continue working during this time, and some are left abruptly in a state of need. The working parent is now also a homeschooling teacher. Most of us have to redefine our work, not by choice, but by necessity. And many of us are stuck in our minds having to redefine ourselves.

This brings me to the rising phoenix, the butterfly coming out of her cocoon. We can persist with old patterns of escape through drugs or alcohol use, stuff it down with emotional eating, create self destruction through negative ruminations and panic, look for answers in compulsive online addictions, or we can choose LIGHT.

We all have our own unique being that makes us wildly different in the most beautiful ways. Are you in touch with what makes you special? Do you know who you really are? Could you, would you go there? Peeling away the layers of armor to reveal our true selves is a gift. It amazes me that our society drives us to close our shells, be seemingly resilient and hide the pearl inside.

Instead of leaning on failed coping skills, make quarantine a time to reconnect. When things get difficult, make yourself laugh. Call a friend or family member if it helps. Revitalize by cooking yourself a colorful healthy meal. Go for walks, connect to nature, create art if it moves you. Write in a journal, and listen to your favorite music. Dance around the house to it! Find your strength by letting go and feeling your soul come alive.

For a simple mindfulness meditation, find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and picture yourself in a moment where you were truly happy. Maybe you don’t have one, or maybe it feels inaccessible right now. I can help you get there. For now, make one up.

Close your eyes. Sink deep into your moment. Feel into it. Don’t rush. Experience the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, all the feels. Really go there. It only takes a couple minutes.

If you can tap into your heart, you are on the right path. Keep an open mind and appreciate your inner glow. Recognize the damaging thoughts as they come, and let them blow away in the breeze. You are strong enough to make it through this. You will make the right decisions if you stay true to YOU.

Any time things start to feel overwhelming, go back to that happy moment. Close your eyes and transport yourself right back there. Hold on to the essence of you and carry it with you in your day. If you’re having trouble finding it, turn on your favorite song again. Not working? Please reach out. Let me help you find peace. Everything magically has a way of working out, or happening, regardless of how much we try to control it.

Things will never be the same, that’s for sure. Find yourself, and find your phoenix. There will be obstacles no doubt, but the ones who will be successful from quarantine will come out of this with improved insight and resilience. Let us rise from the ashes and meet in enlightenment.