RISING STRONG AS WE BREATHE
Choosing Life
Since March 2020 our collective lives have tumbled through an extended period of stress. We have been subject to changes outside of our control, loss of social contact, the death of loved ones and the grief of jobs lost, businesses closed and strained relationships.
As we acknowledge what we have been through as a society, we also acknowledge that we have been on an individual journey in the midst of it. This has, at times, felt excruciatingly lonely and isolating. It is in the midst of this that you have found this monument, this website and now you are invited to engage in:
A Moment of Self-Compassion
1. Allow yourself a quiet moment.
As you find a quiet moment in the garden of remembrance, allow yourself to think of the stressful situations you have experienced and what you have lost…notice the emotional and physical discomfort in your body that you may have been carrying.
2. Acknowledge how difficult this has been
Then say to yourself “This is a moment of suffering” as you breathe deep into your belly, hold your breath for 2 seconds and then slowly allow your body to relax as you breathe out. Breathe twice more like this as you stay in the moment.
3. Suffering is a part of life
Then as you say to yourself “suffering is part of life” lift your eyes to look at the sculpture, you may notice elements of common humanity. Though our journeys have been different, we have felt this suffering and struggle in one way or another. Feel what it is like to know you are not alone.
4. A moment of self-soothing
Now bringing your attention to your heart as you cross your arms over your chest, and with comforting pressure, hold your upper arms with the opposite hands…becoming aware of your breath… before taking a deeper breath through your nose and slowly exhaling as you ask yourself: “What if can be kind to myself in this process right now? What would that look like?” You may be aware of an answer to the questions or not and either is fine. Take a few more deep breaths, allowing yourself to simply be in this moment.
This may be enough for you today or you may like to take a small break and when you feel ready you can move on to the next exercise: