Practice in the Time of Corona

Contemplating our own deaths, and the deaths of our loved ones, is a recommended practice on the Buddhist path. It is recommended that we contemplate the realities of aging, illness, and death, so that we can show up more fully in life. A lot of us are contemplating these topics like never before in the times of Coronavirus. 

It is a heart-breaking and heart-opening time. In the face of daily uncertainty and mounting tragedy, I’m finding that connections have the potential to be so much more tender, vulnerable, and real in these times — are you observing the same? People want to help and show up for each other (while keeping physical distance). People are forgiving and reconnecting.

While sheltering in place, you may want to incorporate a daily hugging meditation practice. If you live alone, I highly recommend doing this practice as you hug yourself, a stuffed animal, or a pet. You can try this while video-chatting with a loved one as well (while hugging yourself or with a hand on your heart). Fully embrace yourself or your loved one as you breathe deeply.  On the first in-and-out breath say to yourself, “you will not always be here;” on the second, “I will not always be here;” and on the third, “this is a precious moment.” This is always true. And we are collectively aware of this more than ever.

It is ok to shed tears at this time. Pushing away our grief can actually create more suffering than allowing our grief to be here. We can embrace and take care of our grief like a small child, very tenderly. We can also do this for each other, even virtually. Embracing impermanence can be a truly liberating practice.