This simple quote struck a chord deep in my heart, causing me to wonder about how COVID-19 may be asking us to let go of all that isn’t us to realize our full potential both as individuals and as a global family (the two are inseparable).

In the stillness at the center of the chaotic whirlwind of coronavirus, I see so much beauty emerging from the hearts of humanity- making whole/healing what has been fragmented and broken. Through the millions of small and large acts of love and kindness, sweat and tears, could we be healing ourselves and the planet? Fear, despair, and suffering are daily experiences for far too many. Now, added to the challenges that are already present, with this new development we are being asked to open further to what is possible.

I wonder, could there be a gift in this experience for all of us? On a personal level during this time of quarantine, I have found myself outside every day communing with nature in much longer and slower increments without having to rush, working on an art project that I’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had the time, dreaming more, writing more, reading more, sleeping more and finally feeling rested in ways I haven’t in quite some time. I’m preparing meals with more care and attention and creativity, having long and meaningful conversations with loved ones, and more.

Most of all, I feel a connection with myself and spirit that is deepening and widening throughout this time. I’m noticing a birthing that is taking place within the deepest recesses of my soul. I muse again about how a new world consciousness depends inherently upon the consciousness of each individual.

We do not know where this is taking us. We have never known what the future holds. A deeper part of me is learning to surrender to the not knowing, to the simple fact that I cannot control what is happening other than how I respond. I admit that I even have moments of gratitude for the grace in letting go of much of the outward doing, leaving time and space open to connect with a deeper truth. There is richness in this- a certain, strange new freedom- fertile ground. This ground, this moment, is where the seeds for the future are planted. What do we want to plant individually and together?

During this time of transition, I muse about the strong emotions that are being elicited in many of us right now and I’m reminded of a block that can happen between the liver and lung meridians at such times.

The transition between the liver and lung meridians is physically located at the space in the body where the liver meridian ends (acupuncture point LIV-14 ‘Gate of Hope’) and the lung meridian begins ( LU-1 ‘Middle Palace’). These two channels connect internally. The lung meridian is the receiver of pure qi and inspiration from the heavens and assists in releasing what isn’t needed. The liver is in charge of organizing change from clear vision. When smoothly flowing, the clear vision of the liver is able to help one move forward with new inspiration from spirit. Sometimes we need support when strong emotions cloud our vision (physical vision and inspired/inner vision).

A contributing factor to this block can be a need for closure around what has been lost. If the timing feels right, I will sometimes include the point before LIV-14, LIV-13 ‘Chapter Gate’ in a treatment. These two points, ’Gate of Hope’ and ‘Chapter Gate’ are the only place on the body where there are two gates in a row. It is a powerful and sometimes delicate transition place, like threading a needle. Contacting this point with tenderness and compassion can act as a small ritual, blessing the closing of a chapter in one’s life in order to move forward in a new way. I can see how this applies not only to the individual at this time, but to humanity overall.

Without the external distractions, perhaps we can discover a new seed within us that is ours to contribute. Spring is the perfect time to do this in our gardens and in our lives.

“I look outside and see two mourning doves who have joined the resident squirrels, deer, eagle, and bunnies. Ted Andrews says about mourning doves: “Out of its mourning, it invokes new waters of life… no matter what our life conditions, new waters and new life are still possible” it’s song is mostly heard at dawn and dusk, transitional times “between past and future.” -Animal Speak

With one ear to one’s own heart and the other to the heart of the universe, together we move forward, each following the threads that are ours to follow knowing that we each embody something of value to contribute to our human family and the planet. However insignificant it may feel in the larger scale, it all matters when it comes from love.