Lovingkindness has been called a vaccine against panic, anxiety and anger. Here’s how you do it: First, bring to mind health-care workers, people who deliver packages, and all of the other essential people making your relatively privileged life possible right now. Then wish them well. Say, “May you be safe, and may you be healthy” a few times. Next, bring to mind your co-workers, community and family, and wish them well. Finally, circling back to self-compassion, wish yourself well. “May I be safe, and may I be healthy.”
The next time you are in a store and people are rushing for the toilet paper, rather than judging them, wish them well. In fact, on every conference call and during every exchange with anyone, however brief the interaction, simply say, “May you be safe, and may you be healthy” to yourself. We become what we practice. This practice has been shown to affect the mind, brain and body, positively affecting the immune system. And we do it holding the possibility that it’s not just beneficial for us, but for others.
5. Gratitude. Take a nice deep breath right now, filling your belly and chest. If you are able to do that simple act without discomfort, you have much to be thankful for today. If you are safe in your home right now with food and clean water, you have much to be thankful for. What a difference a month makes! Finding things to be grateful for is ironically easy these days, as our standards have plunged in many areas. And that’s welcomed. I saw a wonderful social media post about two weeks ago. It said: “Lower your expectation. For everyone. For everything.” Give yourself a break and give others a break. No one is at their best right now.
Be kind, be safe and feel free to sign up for invites to free 30-minute mindfulness practices by writing to [email protected]. Due to the recent Zoom difficulties, we are no longer blasting links out to the public. We’re adapting, and we hope you join us!
Susan Bradley is the founder of the Sudden Money Institute.