By Shelly Kocan
For The Cordova Times
I just wanted to reach out and say hello, and let you know that we at Acupuncture and Wellness of Cordova are thinking of all of you during this time of upheaval.
Our business remains closed, as mandated by the state, and we have no idea when we will be able to reopen. What a thing to live with so much uncertainty!
I have had some beautiful moments of slowing down during this time, exploring with my kids, making simple art, having less on my to-do list. But there has also been the daily challenge and anxiety of trying to adapt to the disappearance of my normal life and trying to figure out how to live in the unknown, amidst a pandemic that is changing life as we have known it.
I know this challenge affects us each in different ways, but I do think the experts who are talking about this as a time of grieving are on to something. We are all trying to keep our heads up and keep moving forward but we are all also dealing with loss. Loss of schedules, of income, of plans, of roles, of “normal.” Give yourself room to grieve if that is what comes up.
Amidst this challenge, I hope moments of peace have found you an increased joy in the simple things, chances to pause and reflect on the things that really matter to you. But please know that if it all just feels hard and like too much, that’s okay, some moments, that’s where I find myself as well. What an event this is, something that breaks our hearts all open and leaves us raw, sitting amidst the rubble of lives and a world that just shifted in cataclysmic ways.
There is some great self-care advice out there and we are working to bring more of that to you in the coming weeks. But for now, this is my recommendation:
Listen to your body and spirit, allow yourself to hear what you need at this moment and give it to yourself when you can. You will know if you need rest or movement, some moments alone or a phone call with a friend, time outside or time to nest at home.
Take the time to replenish your own cup so that we all may work to ease someone else’s burden.
Those are my best suggestions for navigating these waters.
Shelly Kocan is the owner of Acupuncture and Wellness of Cordova.
