This place where you are right now
God circled on a map for you.
Wherever your eyes and arms and heart
can move against the earth and the sky
the Beloved has bowed there.

The Beloved has bowed there
knowing you were coming.
                                           – Hafiz

We are all finding ourselves in uncharted territory. Like unwilling explorers, we didn’t sign up for this voyage, but find ourselves on board anyway. We’re in an unexpected place, a place that is not where we thought we’d be when we looked ahead a month ago. It’s all new — socially, financially, spiritually. If this life is about learning, if it’s about that polishing we get by rubbing up against difficulties until we become diamonds, then maybe the corona-virus is one extraordinary lesson.

It is said that along with an outward contraction comes an inward expansion. If we stay aware and look within I think we’ll find the balance we need to face the anxiety and hardships that are everywhere in these days.

My heart goes out to all those directly affected by the disease, to those working tirelessly to stop it, and to those giving relief to those devastated by it.

That we are all connected — that we are one people — is not an abstract concept today. When we just stop our regular activities of going out, we really are helping others around the world. Retreat — it’s simple. We can do it.

SY

#stayhome #staysafe #staycalm #coronavirus #COVID19