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This is a letter long-time MSIA minister Pauli Sanderson shared with us.  We share it with you:

This is to all my friends who are living with me in these times of trouble (aka, this thing called the Corona Virus (Covid-19) which looms large in all of our lives.

First, a little perspective:

From my education in psychological issues:  The “stressors” (external and internal) in one’s life are a leading factor in the anxiety we feel.  Obvious, eh?  Experts have created a “scale” for stressors. “Natural disasters” are up at the top of the scale for “stressors” (6 on the scale of 1-6), followed by death of a spouse, divorce, loss of one’s job, etc. The scale does not show a number for “pandemic” but I’d bet it’s about a 10.

A major psychological factor that figures into feeling of stress and anxiety (and depression) are the feelings of being “out of control” in any given situation. Being (or feeling) out of control drives all sorts of, ahem, maladaptive behaviors (hoarding, irrational fears, black-and-white thinking… stuff like that). The list of how we feel out of control in this situation are too extensive to list … but include not knowing:

• when this will end,
• if we’ll get “it” or if our loved ones will get it,
• when we can go out, when we can hang out with our friends,
• will we have enough money,
• will the store have toilet paper,
• when we can go to work,
• how can we protect our kids,
• can we figure out how to Zoom and live stream and facebook and time, and etc.

Traumatic shock is defined as “experiencing an event that is outside the range of usual human experience that would be markedly distressing to almost anyone, e.g., serious threat to one’s life or physical integrity, serious threat to one’s children, spouse, or other close relatives and friends, sudden destruction (substitute, disruption) to one’s home or community, etc.”   We mostly think of “post traumatic shock” in relationship to soldiers, first responders, victims of sexual assault, etc.  But – based on the definition above – I suspect many of us are experiencing traumatic shock due to Covid-19.  I know I am. All our lives and those of our families’ and friend’s are threatened, our homes, communities, jobs, and the normal rhythms of our lives are all disrupted to some extent. This is and continues to be shocking.

Consider that the psychological symptoms of anxiety and/or traumatic shock include:

• Edginess or restlessness
• Tiring easily; more fatigued than usual
• Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank
• Difficulty making decisions
• Irritability
• Outbursts of anger
• Sadness, hopelessness, depression
• Confusion and/or feelings of overwhelm
• Hyper vigilance (when you “startle easily” and are very alert to threats –  perceived or real)
• Increased muscle aches or soreness
• Difficulty sleeping (going to sleep, staying asleep)

So if you are experiencing any of this, you are NORMAL !!

So now … how to make magic in times of trouble.

Start by remembering:  we humans are powerful beings. We are also extremely complex beings.  We are also conditioned beings.  We are products of our environments … childhood, school, friends and family, religions, educational, and so forth. We have developed ways of coping, habits and patterns we love … and we are not only loathe to let them go but when compelled to let them go, we get nervous, edgy, feel a little lost, maybe angry, etc.  So we have to make magic.  We have to talk to ourselves as the wise wizards of our world would (or do) talk to us… reminding ourselves that we are powerful – we are not victims and we have the power to take control over many aspects of our lives – and we have the ability to make magic.  So here are some tips for making magic.

Refuse the temptation to judge (yourselves or others), the world, the governments, those who purport to be in power, etc. Take a breath … remind yourself that you have superpowers of love and compassion. You have the superpower of tolerance and intelligence. The physical realm has always and forever been one that includes mistakes, good and bad decisions, trials and errors, creativity, great and good accomplishments, etc. The human spirit can be awful or magnificent. It’s magic to choose the positive.

Choose to hope (when things seem hopeless). Choose to be kind (when you want to lash out in hurt or anger). Choose to be honest (when you think your real feelings or thoughts aren’t good enough). Choose to be considerate of others (when you’d just rather not).

Being in touch with yourself (your thoughts, your feelings, your hopes and dreams, your fears, your uncertainties) is a deep personal magic. Don’t hide your truth. Let the reality of your experience out of the deep places inside where things hide when they are unexpressed. Express the truth of yourself. Keep a journal. Write down what is true for you. If it’s the “dark” thoughts and feelings, you might choose to throw those pages away (let them go). If it’s the “light” thoughts and feelings, you might choose to save them. Always be honest with yourself and support yourself in being who you are. Talk to people you love and trust; having the understanding and support of others is magic.

Take a moment or two to stand up (or sit up straight) and take a few slow, deep breaths … in and out. Experience (or pretend you are) a magnificent, divine Light flowing into your body with every breath … and with every exhalation, you are letting go of judgments, disturbances, fears, and anxieties.  Ask for God (by whatever name you use) to be with you, to walk with you and talk with you and bring you peace. Feel that energy flow to every place and space within you and bring calm and balance.  Repeat often.  Let God’s presence and Light work their magic.  Invite your own magical transformation.

When the dinner you cook with what you can piece together seems kind of mediocre, “dress up” the table with a flower or a multi-colored tablecloth, turn down the lights, and use your best china. Or maybe have a costume night where you all (adults and kids) dress up. Your divine imagination is a realm of magic.

Jokes and funny stories and laughter are like magic wands. Play with the transformative qualities of a really good joke.

Practice magic by being friendly, silly, engaging with people standing in line with you (but keep your distance). See if you can create smiles out of dour expressions. It works! And you will be uplifted if you can make your neighbor laugh!

When you look at all the things you like to do but can’t right now … give your mind the “magical task” of creating new rituals and practices. Dream up games for your kids. Have puzzle evenings or start a story that each person adds to. Have electronic dates with friends.

Exercise your divine imagination and discover the magic and the wonder of taking yourself off to the realms of Light and Sound that are off-planet. Make up another realm: how do you get there? What does it look like? Make it lovely and peaceful. This is good for bedtime rituals or even if you want to nap.

When you have watched the news for updates and important bulletins, discover the magical, amazing, “remote” that can shut off the TV – and restore your realm to peace. Use it to protect yourself from psychic violence and disturbance.

Make lists each day of your best “magical practices” for the day (meditation, spiritual exercises, uplifting recordings, books, music, etc.), calls to friends and family, chores around the house (perhaps accompanied by great rock ‘n roll), safe activities (walks, yoga on video, etc.)

And the greatest magic of all: LOVE YOURSELF UNCONDITIONALLY.  Forgive judgments… and let them go. Cut yourself a break. You are doing your best. Ask for help if you need it. Stay connected to your Spirit, your heart, your family and friends. Your spiritual teachers.  And the great and wondrous magician that exists within you and inspires you always to be a magician of Light in this world.

If you want to pass this along to friends or family, feel free.

Love you very much!  Take good care of yourself.  Make magic !

Pauli