A Space for all Things that Change

My blog is about space: how we take it up and do we take it up in an authentic manner?

As we navigate through this very difficult time, we’ve been asked to take up space in a new way: social distancing, elbow bumping, shelter in place…and the list goes on.

Our sense of space is bending, re-shaping, transforming.

Literally.

In Italy, the waters are now clear.

In China, you can hear the birds, I mean really hear their song soaring over the land.

And infrared pictures of both Italy and China show a clearer atmosphere and healing earth as CO2 emissions fall.

Our space is changing, and we are changing it.

Not always by choice. I know.

Many of us are working from home (if we are so blessed) and avoiding crowds. We are moving differently.

We are slowing down.

We are thinking of that other person: do I really need all this toilet paper?

What does it mean to ration?

What does it mean to share?

What does it feel like to move slowly upon the earth? To listen to another person? To hear our own hearts beat for the first time in a long time?

I cannot control what is going on in the world, but I can control my thoughts and my actions.

What kind of space am I taking up today? It may be different than yesterday, but is it still authentic?

And yes, that space will of course be scary and unknown at times.

It is new.

It is unchartered.

But I am reminded of Mr. Rogers. He always told us to look for the helpers in times of trouble. I would add this: be that helper in times of trouble.

Do what you can.

Be responsible.

Laugh.

Cry.

Yell and scream if need be.

But remember the song of the bird in China. Hidden, and yet, always there. Always singing, her voice is now heard as we bend into a new space.

I wish you health and happiness and safety.

You are not alone.

Simply touch you hand to your heart. Feel that beat? Mine beats like yours. Citizens of the world can all feel that same rhythm.

Remember that.

We are in this together.

Sending you so much love and light and hugs from afar, Shelly