I dusted off and opened my New Testament bible to a section referred to by the Pope in one of his Sunday Tweets.

Like you, I am looking for solace and comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic while practicing physical distancing and frequent hand-washing. I look for simple ways to keep my body active with gentle exercise. I remind myself to eat healthy and replenish bodily fluids throughout the day.

My employer made arrangements for us to work remotely two weeks ago. I was so relieved and happy to avoid the daily stresses of public transit. I embraced the opportunity for performing my work from home, to take little breaks to stretch, do housework and maintain contact with family and friends.

I was happy to be alone in my home with a stocked pantry and contented Tabby Cat. I promised myself to keep the news watching to a minimum and only with trusted sources.

The Tabby Cat is either meditating or bored

Thursday night, a dark cloud descended when I received a call from one of my adult offspring, heart broken and just tired of all the hurdles thrown in front of his path. My Motherly instincts immediately caused me to invite him back home. I moved my computer equipment from the guest room desk to the dining table before his arrival.

I adapted for someone I love.

My gentle weights for frequent stretches and workouts

I found ways to maintain my physical and mental health with gentle exercise reminders and ten-minute meditation breaks through the day.

I was not able to perform my weekend volunteer activity due to the public libraries and used bookshops being closed for a few weeks during the pandemic. This affected my sense of purpose as I was missing the social interaction with staff and patrons.

On the Sunday, I invited another adult offspring to join us for the isolation period. I gave up my bedroom for him and fashioned a desk setup for his computer and other devices. I found ways to accommodate his smoking habit.

He helped me pull out of storage, a smaller bed –  the shikibuton (a roll-up futon mattress) so I could set up my sleeping area in the living room.

I adapted for someone I love.

Yesterday, we agreed on a list of provisions to obtain “out there”. I coached him on procedures, safety measures to follow when venturing out for groceries. Upon arriving home, he laid the bags down, used the hand sanitizer at the front door, and proceeded to wash his hands. As far as I know, we were successful with preventative measures. I don’t want to obsess over the what-ifs.

We now have ample fresh produce, meat and dairy for the next few days.

This morning, I woke before the Zen Alarm clock. I kept with the basic morning routine of saying a prayer of thanks, having my instant coffee, checking email from family, feeding and administering Insulin to the diabetic cat.

I showered then rolled out the dusty yoga mat with plans for stretches and salute to the sun my daughter taught me years ago. I found space in the small living room of our crowded but love-filled apartment.

The cat joined me, more as an attention-starved hindrance than motivation.

Practicing patience, tolerating the Tabby before Salute to the Sun

I allowed a few seconds to adapt for someone I love, then started to roll up the towel to make her move. She was not pleased, grumbling as she stomped away. I succeeded in performing about 20 minutes of uninterrupted stretches and breathing. I feel better for it.

During a lull from IT support requests, I decided to satisfy my desire to write, to express my feelings during this challenging time.

I feel better for it and hope that I reached blog followers who can relate plus agree to keep on keeping on with self care and kindness to others.

Thanks for dropping by and maintaining “physical distance”.

Namaste

T