How to Reduce Pandemic Fatigue

I don't know about you, but I am so very tired of the ongoing and seemingly unending ambiguity and uncertainty of life.  Not knowing when things will go back to normal, what ever that will look like, is draining and anxiety producing.

I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!

Oh, but wait...I still have my life.  I am alive and living every day.  How I choose to live it, where I choose to put my attention is the very definition of living.  I've been choosing to put my attention on what I don't have.

Which brings up two seemingly unrelated concepts I've been thinking about lately.   

The first is being present and living in the moment.  It sounds simple...but so often simple things aren't actually easy. 

I am human (sorry to disappoint some of you!)  and have the human tendency to dwell on the past or worry about the future, effectively being unengaged with the present moment.

The second concept is the yogic concept of Aparigraha, which means 'non-grasping/non-clinging.'  I've been working on this concept since I was first introduced to it many years ago. 

Fundamentally, it tells us that any thing or idea or belief or habit or behavior that we 'cling' to will ultimately bring suffering.

My tendency to dwell on the past...wishing I had done something differently or worrying about the future, hoping I do things just right...is in fact 'clinging' to something.

My active 'wanting' my life back and focusing my attention on what I don't have is a form of clinging.

When I am clinging to something, I by definition cannot be in the present moment.

The uncertainty and ambiguity we are living in is REAL. 

The mind does not do well with uncertainty and ambiguity so it will shift to trying to find meaning from something other than the present.  It will naturally shift to clinging to stuff.  It is a normal process, but not necessarily a healthy process.

So what can you do to enjoy the gift of the present that you've been given? 

There are two things you can do that will shift your perspective and help you begin to live more in the moment.

First, have AWARENESS of when you are clinging to something.

Notice when you are saying things that include the words:

• I hope...

• I wish...

• They Should...

• I can't believe s/he...

These are your clue that you are clinging to something.  Just beginning to have this awareness will begin to shift your perspective.

Second, accept that it is NORMAL to cling to stuff.  Cut yourself a break.  As far as I know, you are all human and it is human to cling to stuff.

Simply say to yourself "I am clinging to....' name it if you can.  If you aren't exactly sure what you are clinging to just say 'I am clinging to something right now and it's not making me happy.'

The act of naming what you are clinging to once again begins to shift your perspective, your mindset and literally rewire your brain. 

And if you are up for bonus points...when you catch yourself clinging and name what you are clinging to, take one additional step...

Name just 1 thing that you are grateful for, right now, exactly where you are.  Just one thing.  It doesn't have to be big, in fact make it small!  The smaller the better.

Peek-a-boo, I see you...

 I am grateful that I can stand up. 

I am grateful that I am breathing. 

I am grateful that I didn't have to shower today! 

These simple steps,

• being aware that you are clinging,

• accepting that and naming what you cling to and

• offering gratitude for something small in your life

will begin to interrupt your normal patterns and help you live more in the moment.

You will begin to enjoy the present you have been given.

Be Kind.  Be Happy.  Be Well.