What To Do When Facing Adversity

Emotional Health, Health & Wellness Article, Mental Health, Physical Health

What I Learned From a BlueBird …

While eating breakfast one day, a large bluebird crashed into my dining room window.  This has happened before but usually with a ‘small’ bird.

I looked down at the deck below and saw the most beautiful bluebird, but it was panting – – struggling for breath. 

I debated about taking the bird to a vet.  However, I feared that the bird would not make it by the time we got there.  Not being able to watch the bird without thinking that it must be in great pain, I resolved to check back on it periodically.  

The bird just laid there, breathing.  Eventually, it moved to right itself.  Then, it tried its wings.  After some time, it was able to fly off.

Here’s what ‘I’ learned from watching this bird:

  • When facing adversity – ‘breathe’ to prepare yourself to decide what is next and don’t rush your analysis.
  • Take small steps and then reassess your situation.
  • Take time to right yourself physically as well as emotionally.
  • Then, ponder your next move.
  • Take the next step — only — when ’you’ are ready.
  • Eventually, you will be able to move on and proceed with your life, just like the bird presumably did.

Now, I will never know what happened to that bluebird.  I can only hope that it is well and is soaring above us somewhere out there.

Likewise, the Corona-virus has changed our lives in a way that we have not experienced before, increasing our stress and causing elevated anxiety.  Use any extra time to care for yourself.  (For example, start that project you have been putting off or learn a new hobby.)

Start each day with ‘gratitude‘.  We might not be happy staying cooped up in our homes, but most of us have a home with heat and water, and electronics to connect and entertain us.

Think about some of the challenges that  ’you’ have faced.  Consider how each challenge has made you stronger.

Since most people are home-bound right now, use ‘technology’ to reach out to neighbors, friends, and family.   It is likely that they are feeling the same way as you and, therefore, can best relate to your particular situation and concerns.

You’re probably wondering what is going to happen tomorrow or next week.  Take it one moment or one day at a time, just like the bluebird.

Also, I am here for you, too!  Reach out to me if you want to talk.  I can even connect with you through a video sharing app that enables us to meet face-to-face online.

TO REACH OUT TO ME, via email at MindfulAlignmentWithLinda@gmail.com or by phone at 973-476-8661.

Try this calming breathing technique. 

This is an “Ascending and Descending Breath” meditation.

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