Spiritual Hygiene in Times of Uncertainty

In times like these, practice becomes more crucial than ever.

As Thich Nhat Hanh has said, “When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked, all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.”

Those of us with tools of practice are called to be that calm and centered person on the boat. Today we have the opportunity to practice with the changing situation of the 2019 novel Coronavirus and the mass panic it is generating. But in times of climate change and political uncertainty, we will face many more situations where calm in the storm will be crucial. How can you be the person that helps alleviate, rather than contributes to, the fear and anxiety that can harm us all?

Water seeds of calm and wisdom in you. Fear depresses your immune system, as well as the problem-solving center of your brain. Notice how you feel when you talk with various people — more fearful and anxious, or grounded in the midst of a changing situation? Who are the people around you who are walking the middle path: neither in denial or minimizing the situation, nor being overcome by fear and panic? The more you surround yourself with people and things that water these positive seeds in you, the more these seeds will grow and provide sustenance to others as well.

Practice an information diet. This is a time when we need to both stay informed, but be careful about overconsumption — especially of “junk” information. Stay away from opinion pieces or things you read on the internet other than from the most reliable sources. Notice the impact that watching certain films, shows,and other forms of media (even those that are a “distraction” from current reality) have on your nervous system. Take long stretches of time each day when you consume no media at all.

“Are you sure?” This is a famous gatha of practice by Thich Nhat Hanh. Whether you feel that the virus is much more of a threat than is being reported, or that the panic that is being generated is the truly harmful element: at this time, we must be humble about our opinions and beliefs. Spreading misinformation or being attached to our views helps no one - and there really is no way we can be sure. It is a life practice to find internal stability and groundedness in the midst of uncertainty.

Simplify. Use this time when public officials are recommending avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travel as an opportunity to simplify your life. What is really “necessary?” How do you feel when you’re not packing your days with events? Get more sleep, eat nourishing food especially fruits and vegetables, less sugar and alcohol - this will help both your immune and nervous systems.

Keep perspective, and stay in the present moment. We neither need to overreact by fighting for toilet paper at Costco, nor be too attached to the events or work activities that are being limited or cancelled due to health officials’ recommendations. Yes, the measures taken will have an impact, and for some it may be serious. But many things we think we need to do are, actually, “non-essential.” How does it make your nervous system feel to know that most of the things you feel urgency about are not actually that urgent?

Practice compassion. The Bodhisattva commitment is to keep practicing until all beings are free. Not everyone has had access to tools of practice to help them stay grounded. It makes sense that without awareness and practice, baser instincts come out during a time of increased global fear. Instead of being angry about the unskillful and unhelpful reactions we hear about, we can have understanding about the causes and conditions that led to this behavior, especially that the populace is inundated by media that waters fear, hatred, and greed. How can we help change these causes and conditions, and cultivate more skill in the world?

Just as with all the health protocols that there’s increased instruction to practice right now (diligent hand washing, not going to work or events when actively sick, etc.) - these are spiritual practices that we should practice all the time. We have an opportunity to do them with more urgency now, though it will not be our last opportunity. Even more reason to make these spiritual muscles strong, so that we can be there for each other and bring forth our highest selves in difficult times faced by the collective.