Finding Reserves of Strength

Grateful for Zoom, Friends and Mother Nature

My work pattern has fallen into a rhythm of handwashing, sanitizing, mask, gloves, use of elbow instead of fingers, etc. My dry cracked hands remind me of the need to glove up. The indentations on the bridge of nose cheeks a reminder of the N95 mask.

I have a new verb in my vocabulary “Zoomed up.” When I am not working clinically I am really Zoomed up!

I am pleasantly surprised how effective Zoom meetings can be. Seeing colleagues on a screen is better than just hearing their voice on a call or reading their conversation in a chat box. However, frankly speaking, I miss the in-person communications. The last three days have been especially busy with both clinical and Zoom work. But they have been especially meaningful and fulfilling too.

Reflecting on these days, I realized they had one thing in common. A daily brisk walk in beautiful weather with a trusted long-time friend and walking buddy. She is working clinically too, and we spontaneously decided Monday to find time to walk in the Fortwood neighborhood adjacent to the hospital.

She and I have been walking partners for many many years. Our walks often are in silence yet volumes are spoken and understood. At other times we share our mutual favorites, laugh, or admire the beauty of Mother Nature. And yes, Mother Nature has showered us with a gift of beautiful weather after the tumultuous thunderstorms and tornadoes. In fact, we spoke about that on our walk on Monday. We expressed a silent prayer for those impacted by the tornadoes, acknowledged our powerlessness and humble surrender to the Almighty.

We had not walked together for over six weeks due to the pandemic. Even now we maintained distance and I had my mask on. I also realized we did not talk much about the pandemic. We commented on the cool breeze, the beautiful blue sky contrasted by the varied shades of spring green on the trees, the abundant blossoming rose bush at the feet of a serene Buddha statue! Spring at its best! We expressed gratitude to be alive and to be in our beautiful city. 

I came back feeling energized and content, realizing how much I had missed the combination of a walk in nature with a good friend. I am so glad we gave ourselves permission to make time for a break. 

There are few things that speak to us without words, but evoke feelings that cannot be expressed in language as we know it. This is one for me. I have read that walks in nature and good relationships promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. I can endorse this as a fact for me. It is also addictive. This short brisk walk is a healing moment for me. I am grateful to my friend and to Mother Nature! 

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” —Rachel Carson 

#REFLECT: Where do you find reserves of strength?

How is the coronavirus changing the way you think of self-care, community and resilience? As this challenging time unfolds, I am posting a daily quote on this blog with a reflection prompt. Please join in the conversation here or on Twitter with your thoughts or about what you are doing for self-care and care of others. My new book explores these ideas too: Resilient Threads: Weaving Joy and Meaning into Well-Being.