Wellness Post, 4/22/20, Compassion
Good morning,
I hope a few of you have tried out Monday’s suggestion to use the smile technique for shifting your mood. If that didn’t speak to you, but you are interested in other ideas for coping with this quarantine, then I have another suggestion. I have been trying to limit the amount and kind of news I consume daily in an effort to keep my anxiety in check. I also like the idea of trying to listen for and pay attention to the lovely, kind, compassionate acts of people and communities all over the world that are happening because of this virus. While doing so I found a website that seems to be sort of a hub for news stories, videos, ideas, and pictures about this very topic: https://www.karunavirus.org I love the intent behind this organization as explained on the website:
“Times are tough. Many are struggling. Everything feels uncertain, and with that, fear is in the air. Increased stress weakens our immunity, which can leave us even more worried. To step out of this vicious loop, enter KarunaVirus. Sounds like Corona, but it’s even more contagious. 🙂 It’s the Sanskrit word for compassion.
Good news, uplifting stories, goose-bump-raising videos, inspiring ideas. Scientists call it cognitive reframing, but we just call it love. A new story.
The intent behind KarunaVirus.org is to amplify the voice of our collective compassion — by featuring news of everyday people choosing love over fear. We feel that the acts of courageous kindness we’re seeing all over the world will far outlive the virus, and if enough of us keep it front and center of our consciousness, it could well bring new possibilities for our future.”
So, check out that website to help you think differently about what we are collectively experiencing right now. Perhaps we as an Upper School can take some compassionate action as a community. If you have ideas, I am all ears!
Lastly, Mr. Murray has a stand-up act for you based on the jokes YOU have shared with him. You don’t want to miss it: Murray’ism Nine 😊
Take care,
Mrs. Danser
