In Response to the COVID-19:

Jarvis Jay Masters, a prisoner on death row in San Quentin, is an author and seasoned meditator. He shares this story: at one point in time, he was out in the open yard in San Quentin. One of the prisoners had picked up a rock and was about to throw it at a pigeon that was perched on the wall. Jarvis saw this and came running at the man. He shouted, "don't throw that rock!" The man turned to face him. The other prisoners turned toward them. Everyone was preparing for a fight. Then Jarvis said something that completely disarmed the situation. He said, "that bird has my wings."

Right now, the birds have our wings. The plants have our lungs. The rocks have our roots. People have our backs. We humans are social beings, and connection is essential to our existence. Connection to another is the first way that we learn, from birth, to come out of stress and regulate ourselves. When we come out of the stress response, biologically, our highest functions come online. I suggest taking some time so that we remember just how positively connected and supported we are. I suggest orienting for a moment on the full truth of our connections and including all of the ways that we are supported by one another: from the safety tips in your inbox to the clothes you are wearing, to the smile within you when you think of a positive memory.

Part of the safety advice right now is social distancing. This is important from a physical health perspective, and it has its mental health complications. Getting into a state of safety and connection is, biologically, one of the best things we can do for our immune systems. As we've worked together, a lot of the work has been training the mind and body to more easily drop into this state. I suggest being creative and adapting to these current conditions. Flowing water never goes stagnant. So, making an extra effort to reach out to others by what means we can is a good idea. Even "meeting" on a screen is better than isolation. if you do have someone in your home who you are not distancing from (such as your child or a romantic partner), a 30 second or more hug is actual, biological medicine for your immune system.

Regarding the birds, the outdoors is a primal source of connection for all of us. Please consider getting yourself outside. Even if it is just on a back porch. Even if you are in the city. Songbirds are still seeking to uplift your hearts. The fresh blooms and fat buds of trees hold the wonder of Life. The plants and bugs in the sidewalk crack are teaching us that we, the Life community, are resiliency. There is so much more I could say about the benefits of getting outside, but I don't need to. The wise one in you knows this. When you go out, take the time to orient. Slow yourself down. Try committing to following curiosity about one living thing that you notice. Spend time observing it and see if you can look it up afterward. If you have access to a larger wild space, sitting in one place (a Sit Spot) and just noticing the rhythm of life there can transform your state of being. This is powerful medicine.

Regarding Our Scheduled Counseling Sessions

In order to tend to members of our community who are immunosuppressed (some of which are close to me), and to mitigate the spread of the virus, there will be changes to my counseling practice:

Since I work outside and have no doors, I do have the ability to work without having us compromise best practices. If you are not symptomatic and you do feel comfortable with leaving your home, you can come to a session. All sessions will be outside for a while, so that means come dressed for warmth or rain.
I do have the option of making a fire outside at times, so we may sit by a fire on certain days.
We'll be honor the distancing, so I'll greet you with a bow or a wave.
If you are staying at home, sick, or immunosuppressed, we can schedule a video call. Let me know if you would like to do this.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, questions, or concerns.

Be well and enjoy the miracle of living.

The Birds Have Our Wings