Staying Calm And Centered in Today’s TIMES

     I have gotten a number of comments asking how I prepare b4 I blog. People have asked how do I pick a blog to write on. I have been asked, how do I start writing a blog. People have asked how I know what to write.

     The CAT is curious or hungry. If a CAT sees a mouse it might catch it, play with it, bat it around, might even let it go. If the CAT is hungry, it kills it, eats most of it and brings part of it home to show ya. The CAT does or might have cat food at home, but, it still enjoys the hunt, stocking and the kill, both of which are instincts of survival.

     My brain runs about 100 mph a lot of the time. I think, i get an idea, I choose and soon thoughts become words and words become a blog, not always though. Many times, it loses speed and the luster is gone, then again, if, that atom lingers like a good fart and ripe Blue Cheese, guess what? It STINKS like hell, but like the CAT, I will play with those thoughts, watch, and listen to people to see if my thoughts play out in people’s interactions with life! Most of the time it does, it is not a secret, it is just observation. There u go! Play with that thought in ur mind.

     COVID-19 and the fear that goes with it has made its way into major cities, tiny cities across this nation. it’s difficult to remain calm and not panic. It’s difficult to see family and friends get COVID. It pisses you off as much as it does me. A loved one will die and more anger spills out. You can have a mountain of FEAR with it or you can respect it, but always be home by 10:30, that’s when COVID comes out, HA!

     As the CAT, you may not like that I catch the mouse, toy with those thoughts in my blog, may even kill it, piss someone off. I sure will not “sugar coat” just one side or the other. It does affect me differently than it does you. I like to make folks think a little harder, you have to get through the anger. I did and now I have a presence that is calmer, peaceable and easier to get back to when anger does flare up in me.

     I have been told by authorities to say in my home in order to prevent spread of COVID, to keep safe, wear a mask, don’t visit grandpa and grandma because they are old, no family gatherings larger than three people, one dog, no cats, ha ha!

      And of course the next week it is different, or that COVID news changes, and blah-blah-blah! But, that does not mean that I should go crazy inside and solely focus my attention on what is happening with the world outside. TRUST, I do not!

     TV stations pounded the news of COVID this or COVID that into my head with a big MF hammer, I felt like my brain matter was exploding with the screwed up shit from week to week, wear this kind of mask, not that one, don’t talk, wear a mask while driving, then it’s ok not to wear one while driving, and on and on!

     I started to limit how much news I watched, especially some of the overhyped reporting that only propagates fear and anxiety. First, I got updates and facts from reliable sources, and then my focus was elsewhere. Secondly, I now do not watch TV, I do not need some barking expert pushing more fear, or lockdown this or that.

     I can avoid contact with other people to a point, I stay in my tribe of friends and family and do wash my hands more carefully, but my ability to remain calm comes from within me and my tribe. That helps me to take the necessary steps in reducing my stress and anxiety and promoting calmness while COVID exists like the flu, or like bad breath. I do what needs to be done health wise to prevent as much as possible, and so it runs its course. That is my survival.

I would like to share three of my ways that I stay calm and centered in these times of COVID-19 panic! OMGosh, right!

Meditation & Mindfulness

     I get anxious and stressed as a result of the rapid spread or spike in my area, of COVID. Always, always they (media) kinda leave out the other info of old age, or other underlying conditions that contribute to someone catching COVID when you actually know the real deal. Many times, I have to keep my head on the real life truth.  

     This is part of the mindfulness I practice, it keeps it real . I find mindfulness being my best way of keeping the stress and fear of getting COVID checkmated. I can still live my life in less fear. I have the support of my tribe, we talk about it, we joke about it, most of all we respect it also. It keeps it real, not as a fear!

     I will practice meditation techniques also. I like the deep belly breathing as one of the best for me, as it relaxes me and helps curb my stress of outside influences of COVID fear.

     According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation can play a huge role in helping you to maintain your mental and emotional health, even benefiting aspects of your physical health. Here’s what meditation can do for you.

• Greater outlook on life (positivity)
• Increased feelings of calmness
• Greater self-awareness
• Reduced levels of anxiety and stress.
• Improved focus

The best part is: There are plenty of different types of meditation, find one that works for you. If you are able to focus for long periods of time, you might want to try out guided meditations or visualization techniques. When you are looking to stay more active while you could be quarantined or not, you can give yoga or Pilates a go!

Finding a Creative Outlet

     I have yet to be stuck in the house for weeks due to exposure or COVID. When I am home, I do not have to resort to going stir crazy. In fact, if I was like that totally, it probably would only increase my feelings of panic during such trying times!

     I like to read and discover things. The internet is great. I like to follow links that lead to more info, and greater thought. I like Old Time TV.

     I find it is a great time to arrange my living room, or move my bed a different way in the room or even try new foods. When I am doing this, focused on creating something new, it reduces the wild thoughts on the negative issues around me.       

     This creativity is a solid way of helping me to relax and enjoy my new room! Of course, I do have to get used to the change, sometimes I get up at night to pee, and crash into a chair or sofa trying to go to the bathroom. I learn quickly to learn the new arrangement. HA!

A creative outlet can be almost anything. Here are a few things you might want to try out (if you have the supplies in your home).

• Painting, coloring, or drawing.
• Singing or playing musical instruments.
• Taking photos or videos of things you enjoy.
• Building something with things lying around the house
• Writing or putting recipes together in a book.
• Puzzles.
• Reading a book or about something you like.

     The goal here is to find an activity or task that requires an intense amount of focus and makes you happy. You won’t even notice that you spent the last hour drawing your favorite cartoon character.

Giving Back & Helping Others

     This is a tough one for me. I get into a routine and it can be difficult to step out of my circled wagon train of security, my tribe. I can be fearful of the unknown, more so now, in these times. I also enjoy giving back to others as it helps me to work on this fear now, today. When I am involved in the community or helping those in need, I see the compassion and happiness rather than fear and anxiety. I like that feeling in me.

     With so many people sick or self-quarantined, most people are not permitted to leave the home. However, these individuals do still have needs that they now cannot meet on their own.

     As long as I am keeping my distance, I like to deliver food and groceries to the front door or sometimes yard work. It gives me that feel good about myself while also helping those who need it! So, call your neighbors, maybe post it on Face Book, to let those in needs know you are available and how to get in contact, remember also, be safe, and careful. I keep it within or just outside of my tribe.

Final Thoughts

     The $64,000 dollar answer, I have to make you think. HA! You do not collect $64,000 dollars by going past GO!

     You can’t do anything yourself when it comes to curing or stopping the spread of COVID, but there are things you can do that can reduce your panic and get invaded by that overwhelming sense of calmness. You can also do your preventive things, so be safe, OK!

     Take advantage of mindfulness, looking for a creative outlet, and even giving back to those who need it, give back to yourself, you’ll be able to stay calm and centered, even now!

New Thought:     Be like the CAT, curious and hungry, for a new YOU!

Later:      John