Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Hope in the Times of Coronavirus

Nobody was ready for a pandemic and I have to admit that adjusting to this new reality has been an adjustment for me. From learning new vocabulary words to incorporating new and more frequent hygienic practices, to seeing all of my clients online while homeschooling my kids.

It has been a roller coaster of feelings and news as every day seems to bring new information about the status of COVID-19 in our world.

My journey during this pandemic has brought my “talking the talk” mantra to a completely different level. Here are my insights about the three main components to staying grounded:

1. Mindfulness.

This means that the mind is fully attending to what is happening in the moment, to what you are doing, and the space you are physically in during that moment.  Being present for your thoughts, feelings, sensations in your body, and the information you are feeding your mind is key right now. Paying attention to what’s going on inside you and around you will help determine if you need a break from the media, your family, or perhaps to even have a “virtual coffee” with a friend. It will help you regulate stress and anxiety while staying connected and grounded.

2. Radical acceptance.

This means that you are acknowledging reality “as it is” without denying it, trying to change it, or detaching from it, but embracing it just as it is right now. It does not mean that you like it. It just means that “it is what it is” and you are willing to face the feelings that come with that reality. In this case, there are many emotions attached to the new reality. Fear of getting sick or spreading the Coronavirus, fear of financial struggle, losing your job, and stress about forced self-isolation. Allow yourself to be present for all of these fears and emotions while giving yourself permission also tapping into feelings of gratitude, humor, and joy. The emotions, just as waves, will come and go.

3. Hope.

Brené Brown, a researcher, and professor says “hope is a function of struggle”, and talks about the value and power of adversity to grow our strength and courage. When we talk about hope, we are talking about setting realistic goals for the future and coming up with creative ways to achieve those goals. We also need to be more flexible to explore different options and paths, while developing alternative routes, staying persistent, and tolerating disappointment.

We are all riding the waves of emotions that COVID-19 has brought with it. This is the time to believe in ourselves and knows that we can overcome hard things. As a community, we can stay strong together and help each other stay calm in the midst of so much uncertainty. Help and hope are always available!

For more information about my online therapy or in-office therapy for children, teens, and adults, please contact me (Carolina Gaviria) at 954-391-5305.

I will provide a FREE phone consultation! Online therapy services are available in English and Spanish.