This is my 2nd blog since the beginning of our new Covid 19 world. I was looking forward to writing this as writing is such a useful way for me to process what is going on. You will see my new logo which incorporates COVID. It is my way of reframing these times so we can use it as an acronym for positive change. Psychologically we know that it is NOT what happens to us that determines our relationship to events, it is our perspective.

By sharing my COVID acronym with you I am hoping it might give you a moment to reframe and use this time of fear and worry to open yourself to new beginnings or at the very least to find a way to be in the present that is less painful. The other reason I chose to do an acronym is because words matter and they offer us so much comfort. There were so many words I could have used and I encourage you to make your own acronym if you don’t connect with mine. I chose the words and later looked up the dictionary meanings which was inspiring because I saw much more in the words than I had imagined.

Over the next few weeks I will be exploring these ideas on my blog and my new You Tube channel (I am being daring just getting that up!). I hope you will join me on this little path that leads us away from some of the noise of the day into a more nourishing part of the woods.

CARING

Adjective -displaying kindness and concern for others, the work or practice of looking after those unable to care for themselves, especially on account of age or illness.

Noun – feel concern or interest: attach importance to something, feel affection or liking, like or be willing to do or have something, look after and provide for the needs of.

I would also add that to care for oneself is often the most important gift we can give to ourselves – we are all in need of care and kindness not just the ill or ageing. At this time caring for ourselves and others is the core of survival.

OPENING

Noun – a space or gap that allows passage or access, a beginning; an initial part – a ceremony or celebratory gathering at which a building, show, etc. is declared to be open, an opportunity to achieve something

Adjective – coming at the beginning of something; initial

I chose this word because without an opening there is no change and there is always an opening, even at times such as this where it is difficult to see. In the wise words of Leonard Cohen ‘there is a crack in everything that is where the light gets in’.

VALUING

Verb -consider (someone or something) to be important or beneficial: have a high opinion of

This word is important because what and who we value in life determines our trajectory. Once again this word is so important in terms of ourselves and so many of us have difficulty valuing and loving ourselves. At this time of Covid 19it gives us an opportunity to really look at what matters to us, what we value in ourselves, others and the world.

INSPIRING

Adjective – have the effect of inspiring someone
Verb (inspire) – fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative, create (a feeling, especially a positive one) in a person, animate someone with (a feeling), give rise to.
– breathe in (air) ;inhale

Only when I wrote down the definitions did I realise how important this word is. It is about creativity, feelings (emotions), motivation and about breath – which is the key to our well-being. How we breathe determines not only how well our body functions it quiets the mind and reduces stress. Creativity and inspiration often come out of difficult times – we have a chance to inspire ourselves and others in this time of COVID.

DARING

Noun – (of a person or action) adventurous or audaciously bold, causing outrage or surprise by being boldly unconventional, adventurous courage

Verb – have the courage to do something, defy or challenge (someone) to do something, take the risk: brave.

When we are daring and courageous we are at our most present, our most vulnerable, our most alive. When times are difficult we need to challenge ourselves, our beliefs, our assumptions and our fears – this is the opportunity to be vulnerable, to be present, to have courage.

I look forward to exploring COVID with you and finding ways to help each other be our most generous, compassionate and daring selves as we take this journey into the woods with very little to guide us.

One breath at a time.

Gail

Share this Page