When "someday" arrives . . .

For years, we have pondered the day when something big would turn the world on its head. Whether it would be a conflict, a natural disaster, or a pandemic, we knew “something” would happen . . . someday.

Although we were certainly THINKING about the day when "someday" arrives, we didn’t really know what that day would FEEL like. 

Now we do.

It may seem like we’re walking on a path that’s literally transforming beneath our feet, but at Becoming Jackson Whole, we know it’s possible to stay grounded, as individuals and as a community. We know many of you agree, because we are witnessing your “small” acts of courage and care. 

Your hands are chapped from washing them so much, in an effort to keep a community safe. Employers are sacrificing their profits to safeguard their employees and customers. Neighbors are smiling and sending virtual hugs, choosing a walk around the block over perusal of more headlines. You are uniting around the fact that our greatest service is to remain well enough to stay away from the doctors, so they can serve those who need them most. 

We hope these practices become part of your toolbox for coping -- right now and long after this crisis ends. They are very simple acts: focusing your attention on anything -- your breath, sounds, body sensations, well-wishes towards yourself or others -- for a few moments without judging. This hones that attentional muscle, enabling you to put your attention where it serves you best. So that you get grounded in the present, where you are okay. You are here. You have breath.

Samuel Singer, founder of Wyoming Stargazing and experienced practitioner of meditation, graciously recorded a kindness practice for us to share this week. It’s 21 minutes, from beginning to end. In the first two minutes, Samuel offers an amazing preamble in which he reminds us, among other things, that we DO have complete control over our response to the situations around us.

So please set aside some quiet time, get comfortable, and push play. 

Just do the best you can. This is about practice, not perfection. We hope it helps.