{"id":109827,"date":"2020-04-23T11:55:57","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T18:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/?p=109827"},"modified":"2020-05-22T10:49:06","modified_gmt":"2020-05-22T17:49:06","slug":"making-magic-in-times-of-trouble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/archives\/109827-making-magic-in-times-of-trouble","title":{"rendered":"Making Magic in Times of Trouble"},"content":{"rendered":" \u00a0 \n<hr \/>\n<p><em>This is a letter long-time MSIA minister Pauli Sanderson shared with us.\u00a0 We share it with you:<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>First, a little perspective:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>From my education in psychological issues:\u00a0 The \u201cstressors\u201d (external and internal) in one\u2019s life are a leading factor in the anxiety we feel.\u00a0 Obvious, eh?\u00a0 Experts have created a \u201cscale\u201d for stressors. \u201cNatural disasters\u201d are up at the top of the scale for \u201cstressors\u201d (6 on the scale of 1-6), followed by death of a spouse, divorce, loss of one\u2019s job, etc. The scale does not show a number for \u201cpandemic\u201d but I\u2019d bet it\u2019s about a 10.<\/p>\n<p>A major psychological factor that figures into feeling of stress and anxiety (and depression) are the feelings of being \u201cout of control\u201d in any given situation. Being (or feeling) out of control drives all sorts of, ahem, maladaptive behaviors (hoarding, irrational fears, black-and-white thinking\u2026 stuff like that). The list of how we feel out of control in this situation are too extensive to list \u2026 but include not knowing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>when this will end,<\/li>\n<li>if we\u2019ll get \u201cit\u201d or if our loved ones will get it,<\/li>\n<li>when we can go out, when we can hang out with our friends,<\/li>\n<li>will we have enough money,<\/li>\n<li>will the store have toilet paper,<\/li>\n<li>when we can go to work,<\/li>\n<li>how can we protect our kids,<\/li>\n<li>can we figure out how to Zoom and live stream and facebook and time, and etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Traumatic shock is defined as \u201cexperiencing 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\u2019s life or physical integrity, serious threat to one\u2019s children, spouse, or other close relatives and friends, sudden destruction (substitute, disruption) to one\u2019s home or community, etc.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0We mostly think of \u201cpost traumatic shock\u201d in relationship to soldiers, first responders, victims of sexual assault, etc.\u00a0 But \u2013 based on the definition above \u2013 I suspect many of us are experiencing traumatic shock due to Covid-19. \u00a0I know I am. All our lives and those of our families\u2019 and friend\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Consider that the psychological symptoms of anxiety and\/or traumatic shock include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Edginess or restlessness<\/li>\n<li>Tiring easily; more fatigued than usual<\/li>\n<li>Impaired concentration or feeling as though the mind goes blank<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty making decisions<\/li>\n<li>Irritability<\/li>\n<li>Outbursts of anger<\/li>\n<li>Sadness, hopelessness, depression<\/li>\n<li>Confusion and\/or feelings of overwhelm<\/li>\n<li>Hyper vigilance (when you \u201cstartle easily\u201d and are very alert to threats \u2013\u00a0 perceived or real)<\/li>\n<li>Increased muscle aches or soreness<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty sleeping (going to sleep, staying asleep)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So if you are experiencing any of this, you are NORMAL !!<\/p>\n<p><strong>So now \u2026 how to make magic in times of trouble.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Start by remembering:\u00a0 we humans are powerful beings.<\/strong> We are also extremely complex beings.\u00a0 We are also conditioned beings.\u00a0 We are products of our environments \u2026 childhood, school, friends and family, religions, educational, and so forth. We have developed ways of coping, habits and patterns we love \u2026 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.\u00a0 So we have to make magic.\u00a0 We have to talk to ourselves as the wise wizards of our world would (or do) talk to us\u2026 reminding ourselves that we are powerful \u2013 we are not victims and we have the power to take control over many aspects of our lives \u2013 and we have the ability to make magic.\u00a0 So here are some tips for making magic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Refuse the temptation to judge<\/strong> (yourselves or others), the world, the governments, those who purport to be in power, etc. Take a breath \u2026 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\u2019s magic to choose the positive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Choose to hope<\/strong> (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\u2019t good enough). Choose to be considerate of others (when you\u2019d just rather not).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Being in touch with yourself<\/strong> (your thoughts, your feelings, your hopes and dreams, your fears, your uncertainties) is a deep personal magic. Don\u2019t 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\u2019s the \u201cdark\u201d thoughts and feelings, you might choose to throw those pages away (let them go). If it\u2019s the \u201clight\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take a moment or two to stand up<\/strong> (or sit up straight) and take a few slow, deep breaths \u2026 in and out. Experience (or pretend you are) a magnificent, divine Light flowing into your body with every breath \u2026 and with every exhalation, you are letting go of judgments, disturbances, fears, and anxieties.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Repeat often.\u00a0 Let God\u2019s presence and Light work their magic.\u00a0 Invite your own magical transformation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When the dinner you cook<\/strong> with what you can piece together seems kind of mediocre, \u201cdress up\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jokes and funny stories<\/strong> and laughter are like magic wands. Play with the transformative qualities of a really good joke.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Practice magic by being friendly, silly, engaging<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n<p><strong>When you look at all the things you like to do but can\u2019t right now<\/strong> \u2026 give your mind the \u201cmagical task\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exercise your divine imagination<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When you have watched the news for updates<\/strong> and important bulletins, discover the magical, amazing, \u201cremote\u201d that can shut off the TV \u2013 and restore your realm to peace. Use it to protect yourself from psychic violence and disturbance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Make lists each day of your best \u201cmagical practices\u201d<\/strong> 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 \u2018n roll), safe activities (walks, yoga on video, etc.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>And the greatest magic of all: LOVE YOURSELF UNCONDITIONALLY.<\/strong>\u00a0 Forgive judgments\u2026 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.\u00a0 And the great and wondrous magician that exists within you and inspires you always to be a magician of Light in this world.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to pass this along to friends or family, feel free.<\/p>\n<p>Love you very much!\u00a0 Take good care of yourself.\u00a0 Make magic !<\/p>\n<p>Pauli<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is a letter long-time MSIA minister Pauli Sanderson shared with us.\u00a0 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":109873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[266,257],"tags":[6699,6700,3895],"class_list":["post-109827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-ndh-archives","tag-divine-imagination","tag-love-yourself-unconditionally","tag-taking-care-of-yourself"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109827\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msia.org\/newdayherald\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}