6 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Your Story MATTERS Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist Withstanding the ripples Work the last few weeks has been interesting to say the least. The impact of COVID-19 has created a ripple effect for all of us. For those of us who are privileged, the greatest adjustment may be an unfa- miliar boredom as we sift through Netflix, learn how to prepare meals again, and try meditating. Those of us used to a full plate, multi- tasking, and accessible dis- traction, may find discom- fort in the stillness. Unresolved trauma and grief tend to surface in quiet times and if support is unavailable, the quietness can be traumatic in itself. In contrast, others are getting to rest, reflect, and perhaps heal for the first time. And then there are those of us with legitimate panic married with immense grief and adjustment. Incomes that dissipated in an instant; support systems that dis- solved; hopes that were not realized; family members that fell ill; and death. For some, COVID-19 has meant a few ripples eas- ily withstood akin to the impacts of a small pebble. For others, it may well have been an asteroid. There is no guidebook I have had many clients ask, <How should I be cop- ing with this?= There is little to be said for shoulds and should nots in this uncharted situation. There is no guidebook. COVID-19 has not been the popularized romanti- cized slowdown for many, while for others it has allowed for unexpected sil- ver linings. There can be guilt and discomfort on both sides of the fence: guilt for feeling positive while oth- ers are struggling and guilt for feeling angry and afraid instead of mindful and grateful. Both sides of the fence are valid, are accept- able, and can coexist. While there is much soli- darity and collectivism in the COVID-19 human expe- rience, how we are each nav- igating this virgin territory is uniquely informed by our social position, privilege, background, past experi- ences, and core beliefs. This demands grace and patience for ourselves as well as for others. Accepting the ambi- guity, the awkwardness, and the uncertainty is central to our resilience as we let go of the tension between percep- tions of right and wrong. Returning to the Basics Ultimately my sugges- tions in this pandemic are not so different from what I might encourage amid other situations involving grief or trauma. Do your best to stay on a routine. The power of a schedule is that it allows for some predictability during very unpredictable times. Try to uphold what I have deemed <the four founda- tions of wellness.= " Sleep: Have a wind- down routine. Do your best to go to bed on a schedule and wake up on a sched- ule. Staying out of bed dur- ing the day helps you have better sleep at night so do yourself a favor and watch Netflix anywhere other than in your bed. " Nutrition: Do your best to eat whole foods and lots of plants. Try to stay away from processed foods and sugars. Your immune sys- tem will be happier too. " Physical movement: Whether you stream yoga on YouTube or get outside while being conscious of distancing for your daily run, please find a way to stay active. " Connection: To people. To spirituality. To nature. This has been more chal- lenging, but in this time it is so very important. Zoom coffee dates, scheduled phone sessions, spiritual practices, and when safe, enjoy nature. Gaining Perspective The last few weeks I find myself scouring quotes from wartime leaders 4 Lincoln, Churchill, Roosevelt, Kennedy, and more who faced immense adversity and had to rally resilience and some form of hope in times of such bleakness. I have been thinking a lot about my late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, the trials and resilience exem- plified by my parents and other family members, the grit of the <lost generation= of folks born between 1883- 1900 who had to endure the Spanish Flu, two world wars, the Great Depression, and maybe even the Cold War& And finally, I have been reflecting a lot on the resilience of my clients who have faced adversity far greater than the threat of a virus. While it is perhaps easy for me to say having been thus far lucky amid current circumstances, our country and our world has seen dark days before and will see dark days again. There is a solidarity to be gained in collective grief and struggle. My hope is that out of such we can salvage lessons of humility, resilience, collec- tivism, and innovation. Kindness, The Other Ripple Effect Social media has his- torically been a hotbed for filtered comparison. It has Home Health a th & Wellness Start Here! Hot Tubs, Automated Covers, Spa Maintenance Services Traditional & Infrared Saunas Swim Spas • Essential Oils Wood Stoves • Pellet Grills Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. & Evenings by Appt. Though our doors are closed to visiting clients, We will continue to provide you the best possible service during this unsettling time. You are not alone! AUTO • HOME • HEALTH • LIFE • BUSINESS • FARM • RENTAL 541-549-3172 1-800-752-8540 704 W. Hood Ave., Sisters THANK YOU to all our readers who have let us know how much they appreciate The Nugget Newspaper been a platform to present a desired image and good or bad, COVID-19 has quickly reorganized priorities. Suddenly, it seems a bit removed to be posting diet plans, filtered selfies, your new car, or relation- ship woes. What does seem to be trending however& kindness. And kindness has created its own ripple effect. The generous and philanthropic acts of others popularized and made public have led us to question how we can our- selves contribute. For those of us who are privileged, this is our oppor- tunity to support our neigh- bors. It is our responsibility as Americans (and global citizens) to do what we can to uphold our values of life, liberty, and happiness. And personally, I believe the grassroot efforts among our communities are likely to do more for instilling hope and healing than the policies of our governments. So to conclude, words from Winston Churchill: <We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.= Wishing everyone health and safety. aquahott h ub.com b 541-410-1023 • 413 W. Hood Ave. Stitchin’ Post is OPEN For CURBSIDE SERVICE 9am-Noon, Monday - Friday (until further notice) Call ahead and order/pay via phone, and we will bring your order out to your car. OR email stitchin@stitchinpost.com with your order and phone number, and we will call to get your credit card info. We are encouraged by your words and honored by your support! 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