One of the gifts of this pandemic has been more time spent at the dinner table without the rush to clean up or plan for the next day. Here, something beautiful has emerged.
Over the last several weeks we have captured mom on video, each time a different topic. It has been deeply touching - lots of laughs, some tenderness, and wonderful to hear her stories.
Mom grew up in PEI on a farm and was the oldest of 15 kids. There are lots of stories to share!
Today is a special day. My beautiful mom turns 88. Her vitality, wisdom, strength, faith, humour, cooking and resilience is an inspiration.
For me, my mom demonstrates what resilience looks like in action.
At this time of uncertainty, mom is solid. She trusts. She has a strong faith and spends time every day praying for people. She is also busy in her kitchen baking butter tarts (the best!), muffins and other treats to give to people. It’s her love language.
At this time of uncertainty, when all bets are off, who or what do we lean on?
Whether we get our strength from our inner resources, a Higher Power or both, it is possible to find calm, adapt and thrive in adversity.
In the context of mindfulness, a regular meditation practice builds our resiliency, teaches us to be present, grounded, aware, and to go with the flow.
Science has proven this. I can personally vouch for this.
Like any skill, the longer we practice the stronger we become.
So, at a time when we have been taken out of our routines and our plans may very much be up in the air – we can use mindfulness and resilience more than ever.
Being resilient is a necessity, not a luxury.
Our resiliency builds when we have the willingness to be present with ourselves and our life.
Being with our reality is sometimes easy and enjoyable and sometimes it is challenging.
Can we stay the course and meet ourselves, wherever we are, with compassion?
Can we be present with our reality rather than running away or putting our head in the sand?
If we can honour our humanness and be present with it all, we can continue to become more resilient.
To do this, we need to acknowledge and accept that we are human beings not human doings.
We need to take time to feel our feelings, appreciate the moment and be grateful.
My mom was the one who took me to my first meditation session, 38 years ago. Thanks, Mom! It changed my life. And the longer I am on this path, the more resilient I am, the more peace I have, the more connected I am to a presence that is beautiful and boundless.
Life will continue to happen and will have its ups and downs. But by taking the time to meditate we build resilience, empower ourselves, and gain access to our fullest potential so that we can navigate through life with more ease, grace and fortitude.
An incredible act of self-love.
Happy birthday to my mom and best wishes to all of you! I encourage you to spend time building your practice and your resilience. To trust in the universe, and to celebrate your efforts.
Much love,
Diane