Have you ever been on a long journey and you wonder when it will ever end? Kind of like 2020, that just kept unfolding more and more layers of chaos, insanity, and uncertainty. 2020 was marked in history by a global pandemic, racial concerns, and political unrest. How often this year have we collectively felt no clear answers, harsh division, and such intense conflicting views?
In our humanity, we prefer consistency, clarity, stability, and steady footing. How do we collectively walk complexity, ambiguity, uncertainty and extended, ongoing distress? As a nation and most likely the world, we are weary. It’s been a lot to carry, and it is long.
Sometimes we wish for time to be different. That we could be further ahead on our journey, finish things sooner, and be somewhere we aren’t. Move past this, get it over with, and put it behind us.
Sometimes the healing journey is long. And long is really hard when it is painful, raw, and hurting. Lots of layers to sort through, making meaning, feeling our feelings, and bearing witness. It takes as long as it takes.
For your reflection: How do you most wrestle with time? What would it be like to be here now? Imagine the expanse of the sky that can hold all of the ambiguity and difficult places, and make room for what is here. List out some of the things that you are carrying that you feel unsettled about or wish could be different.
Action steps: Celebrate and notice something on this day where — for now, in this moment — you can be right here. Grow your equanimity muscles by taking a deep breath, exhale slowly with intention, and allow for whatever is here. If it feels fitting for you, use the imagery of the expanse of the sky as you make room. Notice any changes in your thoughts, feelings, or body sensations as you look up, raise your arms, or lift your head.
