Facing Fear in Times of Uncertainty

With the coronavirus rapidly spreading in our state over the past week, I've been riding the same waves of fear, confusion, frustration, and hope that many other people are experiencing. I've had encounters with my personal bias, anxiety, and uncertainty over what is to come. I've had to face my role as a therapist, business leader, and member of my community. The most challenging question I've been pondering is, "What is the right thing to do?"

When we're in a place of fear, we often react in ways that don't serve us. We can experience panic and anxiety, thoughts about "others," and spiritual and moral conflict. When we let fear consume us, we lose our ability to tap into our agency and compassion. We have to remember we do have the ability to manage our thoughts, reactions, and choices. When we embrace calm and compassion, we improve our ability to problem-solve, act kindly, and increase our immunity. When the red flags are going off in our bodies, we need to pause and look inward. 

All of your feelings and experiences are valid, and you can honor your experiences even further by inviting deep curiosity and compassion. I invite you to do this through journaling, empathetic conversations, art, and/or meditation. As you make space for your most authentic experience, it might be helpful to ask: 

What am I experiencing at this moment? How can we look at our experience through the lens of love?

Can we love the parts of ourselves that are scared, anxious, or frustrated? 

Can you ask these different parts of yourself what they need during this confusing and chaotic time?

Once you have made space for this place internally, you can begin to practice loving-kindness with others.

Are you looking at your neighbors, community, country, world, and universe during this time through the lens of love? 

Do you shut down or put up walls? How does this help you stay safe? 

How do your actions impact humankind? 

What can help you let go of your prejudices, anger, and fear so you can tap into the universal love that we all have? If you can tap into universal love, what's the impact?

With the spread of the coronavirus, I have been trying to sort through existential confusion myself. It comes in waves. Sometimes I am fearful when I see empty shelves at the supermarket, and at other times I feel deeply moved by the kindness of others. I feel this way because I'm connected to everything, and I'm not exempt from universal suffering. And knowing the universe fully embraces me and all other beings, I know I can choose love. I hope that these practices and diving deep into your experiences can help you choose love as well.