Right now, my back yard is a source of sanctuary. Need the peace.
Author Archives: Azeena
Social Distancing – The Mental Kind
We are all getting more acquainted with Social Distancing. Health experts have warned us that this is what is needed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For our lives, sakes and the sakes of others’ lives and health, we have been asked to create physical space when shopping or visiting neighbors and friends.
Still, for some, that may not be enough. There are a lot of people who need to “social distance” in their own homes. Some of us also need to distance ourselves mentally from less than positive influences. We need to practice Social Distancing of the mental kind.
Social Distancing With Grace
The Coronavirus or #COVID19 is highly contagious, spreading death, disease, and fear all over the world. For all of us in some way, it has caused outright panic with grocery stores running out of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and food stables. There have been widespread cancellations, economic setbacks, extensive handwashing, and handwringing. No movies, no concerts, and no parties.
Social distancing is the new normal. Right now, we are all in our corners, waiting to see how things “shake out.” Fear is trying to rule, but we are all looking for positive, peaceful ways to cope and to connect. Prayer, meditation, and the emergence of spring have helped.
I am following the example of Grace, the tabby cat, I inherited from CCL. She is content to do her morning meditation in my back yard. She also joins me when I am seated on the living room sofa – “her spot.”
My church holds daily prayer calls, many religious institutions and fitness centers have moved to online support, and Zoom “happy hours” are being held on a regular basis.
In my Brookland, Northeast Washington, DC neighborhood, we are, as in most of the nation and the world, practicing “social distancing,” but folks on my block join in a daily “Dance Party” party. One neighbor uses his Bluetooth speaker on his porch to blast music while and we all dance either on our porches or up and down the sidewalk of our street. Today he played several songs from “Frozen” for the children and some Disco jams for the adults.
There is also the wonderful DJ D-Nice, who holds a daily jam on Instagram (@dnice). The party has a strong celebrity presence, including Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Oprah, J-Lo, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Demi Lovato, actor Donny Wahlberg, and Chuck D.
Music is a universal healer.
Grace the cat gets her groove on with DJ D-Nice too!
My Way- The Key to A Successful Life
Cats Always Do It “Their Way”
One of my best friend’s father has a trademark song that he will sing on any occasion, “My Way.” It’s not that he is the best singer it is just that he has created a remarkable life and the song reflects his personal direction and discipline. My friend’s father had an amazing loving relationship with his late wife, raised four successful, beautiful daughters, is a “Kappa Alpha Psi Man,” and is a highly respected Washington, D.C. community leader. He is also a noted scientist and a veteran of the U.S. army. Just recently at age 85 he received a Ph.D. Truly he has done it “his way'” and the world is better for it.
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The Value of Rest
It’s estimated that domestic cats spend 15 hours a day sleeping. Their physiology demands that they sleep to recover from activity.
Reverend Dr. Howard John Wesley, the pastor of one of the Washington DC’s area’s largest churches, Alfred Street Baptist Church, is on sabbatical until Easter. The church calls it a season of #selah, the Hebrew word for “break” or “rest.” There have been some who questioned the pastor’s decision, announced late last year. However, I understand the wisdom of Reverend John Wesley’s choice. Rest is the foundation for everything else and provides the seeds for spiritual renewal. Following rest, we can come back better than before. Modeling the pastor’s decision, I have drawn inspiration and peace from taking time to rest.
