Words of Encouragement Amidst The Covid-19 Outbreak

by

A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT  

Foremost, I am aware of  how little “I know” – how little any of us truly “know”. Given that preface, I send  the following words to each of you, hoping it feels supportive and encouraging to you.   During these days of utter change with the coronavirus continuing its hungry spry it is easy to witness FEAR arising within ourselves – especially as we walk through the grocery stores only to discover mostly vacant shelves. We, especially in America, are completely unaccustomed to the unique challenges facing us today. The vacant shelves scream of fear and panic, making it ever more challenging to not become seduced by fear and panic ourselves; while still doing the daily things we need to do. Slow down, if you can, and remember fear is always an unworthy navigator. We can choose to be cautious without the fear. And, WE can be a source of calm and peacefulness, while doing all we need to do to be cautious, and contribute  encouraging energy into our world. This can be as simple as a warm smile to another – a calm, while responsible, constant response.  

  We have no way of knowing, with any certainty, the ultimate outcome of this epidemic but we can CHOOSE to trust that all not only will be, but already IS “ok”. Are you “OK” in this very moment? And now, in this next moment? Breathe….   The answer to the outcome is unknown, yet, our Center is quite known – all that is Real can never change – will never change. The circumstances of form may shift dramatically around us, yet our Center will never, can never, affect our Core.

  In a few short weeks I suspect many will give in to a lessening of the “acceptance gap” theory. I first learned of this theory from my ex-husband (a seasoned traffic engineer). “When waiting to pull out into oncoming traffic, the longer the wait, the shorter the acceptance gap”.  For now we are all staying home as much as possible and keeping a safe distance. However, over the coming weeks; being a society of “doing/going every second” we will likely become more greatly agitated and feel that urge to take on greater risk hoping to put that restlessness at ease. I share this just for sake of awareness that, in the coming weeks, you might consider if your decisions are prompted by necessity or rather by an uncomfortable response to a lengthening duration of something very new – something most uncomfortable. Perhaps a walk outdoors would ease that restlessness – or some quiet gardening? A household project you have neglected? An old fashioned board or card game? Some quiet reading? Some cooking or baking to share? Anything other than a continuous viewing of our usual “screen lives” might prove supportive – and offer a sense of peacefulness amidst this crisis.

Regardless of the length of this coronavirus outbreak, we DO have a profound opportunity to LEARN a great deal about ourselves if we are able to “listen and observe” with a willingness to learn and grow from even this experience (remember that poppy that blooms once the soil is adequately disturbed).   A dear friend of mine shared some lovely Buddhist wisdom: he suggests there is a huge distinction between loneliness and solitude…..and that maybe we could remind one another of that, help one another see the blessing in solitude instead of the fear in loneliness..I find this a very sweet and wise reminder.

  Many of our businesses may well suffer greatly – mine included- yet that is yet another invitation to observe our response and learn something new about ourselves. Being able to notice the fear  when as it arises and then “let it go” (not unlike the ginkgo tree – read more here – Ginkgo: Seed of Hope speaks to this).   My very warmest gratitude extends to all of you in medical and other supportive roles for your kind and loving service to the larger populations. Love surrounds you and if we all send out similar rays of love and support to those needing to extend themselves so severely, in the interest of all, I believe it WILL have a huge impact.

So, instead of panic and fear – perhaps you might shift gears and turn that around to a moment of quiet gratitude for all the support of so many we may not be “seeing with our eyes” (those invisible helpers I write about with Trillium, Quiet Radiance,and Love Blooms).   And, to those of you currently enduring illness, my warmest, loving thoughts extend to you.  May your heart find a deepened hope and peacefulness to support you through a full recovery.  

  TEMPORARY DISCOUNTING OF ALL CAST PIECES   The galleries representing my work, and the studio itself will be offering a temporary 10% discount on any pieces retailing at, or under, $2000; and a 15% discount on any pieces on orders retailing over $2000. This does not include complimentary shipping costs and it does not include pieces not currently cast (the foundry is closed for an indefinite period of time). This is the first time we have ever offered any discounting of the work. We realize we are each seeking encouragement, peace and solace and for many, this comes in the form of having fine art surrounding us. We would also ask you to be patient on the shipping – we would ship as early as safely possible.

  I would also encourage you to take some time to READ the companion inspiration writings for pieces that appeal to you – this in itself, without spending any money, might bring you a few minutes of inner peace and hopefulness. One such example is Voice of Wisdom reminding us of our connectedness, while inspiring a sense of generosity, and incessant stretching for the heavens, as it celebrates our beloved aspen trees. Read as many as you like with your extra quiet time – I hope it brings a sense of reassurance and peace to you.  
      I send warmest rays of Love to each of you and wish for each of you strong health and a peaceful journey – even, perhaps BECAUSE OF this event. You are strong and you are just one slice of the Oneness we each inherently share. The fact of how critical it is for each of us to work together right now – AS ONE – to protect us all, speaks to our Oneness. No one is exempt…and no ray of Love is a small or solitary ray.   My Very Warmest Blessings to each of you,
Carol                         
                             www.allemanstudios.com   520.622.6377   info@allemanstudios.com