SPIRIT & SOUL

Breathe in the good

These days, it’s difficult to see the sunshine. This image of our kitten, Peach, was caught in a moment of time when our home was feeling a deep sense of isolation and claustrophobia. It had been approximately seven weeks of the mandatory Safer-at-Home order that the Governor had advised. We were doing our best to follow the physical rules of protection from the Covid-19 virus but we were sinking into a dark hole of boredom and lethargy.

I looked up from my iPad, binging on YouTubers that I follow trying to find both inspiration and motivation by watching them be productive with their home makeovers or balancing their budgets, while others impressively create a self-care routine. I was intent on soaking up what they have and then I saw her, Peach. This kitten was mesmerized, energized and creatively finding a way to get what she wanted — to be outside. I was instantly snapped out of my stupor of daily humdrum by this feline’s sense of wonder. I thought, “She’s doing what I used to do. Why have I stopped?”

It feels like the clock has slowed down. Our brains are trying to adjust to this overwhelming sense of the unknown and lack of connection to the outside world. The truth is, time keeps moving at the same speed. This surreal feeling of living in a dystopian movie or novel is actually real. This is our new reality. The breakdown that this pandemic has caused in our world’s population’s mental and emotional state is astronomical.

The solution? Well, sorry, I don’t have the answers, there is just too much to repair. What I do know is that we have control of our own actions. To start, we can ::pause:: and take heed from a spunky kitten who will continue to live her life with wonder by zoning in on the opportunities that there is still to witness outside. She will savor the little things that she sees, hears, smells, touches, tastes and will remain curious. She’ll keep moving her body to reach, jump, run and pounce on what she wants.

We can do that, too. Time and beauty are in front of our eyes. Witness, savor and take hold of it.