Happy Friday, Friends!
Yesterday, someone asked me if I get anxious about traveling.
It’s a legitimate question. Traveling is stressful. It’s hectic and things are out of your control and people are too close to you.
But for whatever reason, things that *should* make me anxious, don’t cause me any stress. I’m fine with them.
Traveling: all good.
My own mortality: I get it.
Coronavirus: sure.
But ask me to make small talk, call to make a doctor’s appointment, or introduce myself to a group — and my hands start to shake.
It is undoubtedly disconcerting to be in an airport these days, with people wearing masks and gloves, and with the long lines to wash your hands in the bathroom (was everyone just doing a rinse and shake before?) and every television tallying up the latest stats on this virus.
There is this eastern philosophy of finding a balance between effort and surrender. (In yoga it’s called abhyasa and vairagya.) We can seek to identify what needs to be worked on, and what needs to be surrendered. I spend a lot of time thinking about this. Which projects/relationships/problems require my effort and energy, and which ones need to be released to let them unfold on their own?
I’m certainly not perfect at this, there are plenty of times when I place the importance on the wrong thing, but I’m working on it. And when I get it right, it makes my life a whole lot easier.
But I still think that “ice breaker” games need to go straight to hell.
Here’s what was going on this week:
What I did on my travels
I was in Boston doing a corporate event talking about Compassionate Leadership. And I had a minute to check in with you all before it started, so you can watch that dorky video with terrible lighting here.
What I’ve been watching
Surviving the Cut - a documentary series about military training. Many of you know I work with combat veterans, and I was shocked/embarrassed by how little I (and most other civilians) understand about military life. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about various aspects, and this series highlights the extent of training for the different branches. The episodes on Army Ranger School and Special Forces Divers are particularly good.
What I’ve been eating
Gluten-free stuff.
Sigh.
I’ve recently realized that I have a pretty significant sensitivity to gluten. I’m not thrilled with this development, but I’m managing it. Luckily, there seems to be plenty of gluten-free stuff available. I’m a lifelong vegetarian, I love my fruit and veg - so I’m not feeling terribly deprived. I did have a teary moment over a freshly baked loaf of sourdough the other day, but I don’t want to talk about that.
So if you all have any great gluten-free resources that you’d like to share, hit me up.
What I’ve been reading
What quote I’ve been loving
“Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.”
~ Richard Rohr
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
And don’t spend more than 20 seconds obsessing about things you can’t control.
I love you all,
~Lisa