When it all starts to add up

I’ve been sort of automatically categorizing my current sense of overwhelm as the “usual” increasingly intense activities that come with the December/Christmas/holiday season.

But today I’m realizing the need to acknowledge the intense undercurrents of all that’s going on in the world. On the most basic levels we’re completely fine out here in the boonies — taking precautions, supported by community. On more subtle levels, however, I can feel the “not-fine-at-all” reality of many, many of my fellow Californians, Americans, citizens of the world.

So, yeah, it kind of starts to all add up and you can’t help but feel the heaviness. Which is why staying centered, staying calm, staying open and loving, staying joyous is my/our most important work right now.

How can it be fall already?

I ran into a dear friend today and we commiserated (from behind our masks) about how things are feeling harder lately, rather than easier.

I think it’s partly due to the subtle but very real stress of trying to maintain normalcy in these extremely abnormal times. Staying centered and calm, cheerful and even-minded takes a heck of a lot of energy these days.

And then there’s the fact that it’s already fall, but I feel like I wasn’t able to be entirely present for spring or summer. I want to say something more about it, but — really — all I can do is shake my head.

In disbelief.