Dear friends,

As we continue to navigate this challenging time, I’ve been thinking about the things that sustain us. Although none of us have lived through something like this before, we nonetheless have many strategies and skills that help get us through difficult times. Even when it’s hard – even when we’ve never been in a circumstance like this before – we know how to do things that support and sustain us.

Sometimes, though, that’s easy to forget. We get overwhelmed, or the feelings feel too big, and it can feel difficult to identify the little things we can do that will help. But the things we do during our days and the tiny actions we take can help sustain us through challenging times.
Here are some of the things I do that sustain me:

• I go outside. Sometimes, I just step out of my front door and breathe deeply, paying attention to the way the sun feels on my face, or noticing all there is to notice in the outside world: the dandelions, the smell of the earth, the sun or clouds, the sound of children or birds…

• I listen to music.  Sometimes I listen to my favorite music I’ve listened to hundreds of times, sometimes I turn on something new. So many artists have been offering concerts via social media, and I’ve been introduced to some new artists along the way. I’ve particularly loved the Facebook Live concerts by DC musicians Heather Mae and Crys Matthews. They’re offering concerts every Sunday on Facebook – check them out, or see what your favorite artist is up to!

• I tend to my plants – which currently consist of way too much aloe, but also a lovely violet with pink flowers, bamboo, some miscellaneous plants I’ve accumulated, and a very happy jade plant. Tending to them makes me feel grounded: it’s something concrete that I can do.  

• I create ritual. I put a bowl of water and a basket of stones in my living room. When things feel heavy, I hold a stone in my hand, sending love to the person or place I am holding in my heart. Then, I set it down in the water, feeling the cool water on my finger tips. I watch the ripples in the water. I imagine my love rippling out, and leave the weight of what I’m carrying in that stone, even if just for a little while.

I’m sure you already have many activities that sustain you. I know some of you knit, sew, or crochet. Some of you make art, or play an instrument, or sing. Maybe you garden or bake or cook. Or maybe you run, do yoga, hike, or take walks. Our lives look different now, but there is much you can do – much you are already doing – that will sustain you.
And there’s so much more creativity and connection we can add to help sustain and fortify us in these times!

• Create something!  A colleague started making flower mandalas every morning, and is sharing them on Facebook. You can see them here. What can you use to create something beautiful?

• Connect with your body.  Breathing can allow us to connect with our bodies and drop into what is actually happening, rather than allowing our thoughts to run the show. I like “box breathing:” breathe in for a count of 4; hold it for 4; breathe out for a count of 4; hold it for 4. How can you connect with your body?

• Notice where your energy is going. What is taking your attention these days? It makes sense that we are spending time watching or reading the news. But notice what happens if you shift your attention to something else – just for a little while. Where is your attention? Where do you want it to be?

• What feels good? I like to keep a list in my mind of the things that I find life-giving — the tiny things that bring me joy. My list usually looks something like this: dogs snoring, water with lemon, clean sheets, funny memes, children’s books with magical illustrations, hot showers, chocolate chip cookies… What tiny things feel good?

And of course, remember to connect with us at WES throughout the week on Zoom and next Sunday!

Fondly,

Laura Solomon, Clergy Intern