Crisis impacts us on all levels. Ways we are impacted include (but are not limited to) physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Western capitalist culture does not always make space for spiritual dimensions of healing. However, as we see in so many cultures and traditions, the spiritual dimension can be integral to growing our resilience. Not all of us identify as spiritual or religious people, and that is certainly ok. For those who do, I think it is important to acknowledge that spirituality can help us cope with crisis. And that is why I am writing this post.
As I write this, the world is in the midst of navigating the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to leaning on my community and practicing self-care, I have also leaned on my spiritual practice. I’d like to share some of my experience, in case it may be helpful to someone else. This is written with the understanding that those reading may not have the same spiritual beliefs or practices as me, but that my process might help inspire you in some way.
Personally, I am someone who has a nature-honoring spiritual practice that aligns with some of the traditions of my ancestors of very long ago: the Celtic, Germanic, and Mediterranean tribes of Europe. Many of the earth-revering spiritual leaders and healers of Old Europe died by wars, plagues, or were killed during witch trails or inquisitions. Following these events, more recent European ancestors perpetrated colonization and slavery, and led the creation of a paradigm that in many ways places economic growth over the health of people and ecosystems.
As a descendant of Europe, I balance working for reparations while also remembering and celebrating my spiritual connection to my nature-honoring ancestors and their wisdom. At the root of my practice is a love for the Earth and our connection to one another as a human family. I am inspired by the words of one of my favorite teachers, Lyla June, “We each hold a pen. Let us co-author a story of how humanity fell in love with itself and its Mother Earth once again” (2019).
Here are the ways I have leaned on my spiritual practice to help me build resilience at this time:
Practicing Regularly. I find regular time to come back to myself spiritually. Personally, I take quiet time in meditation, prayer, ritual, or ceremony that is specific to my spiritual practice. This has been very helpful, especially being amidst so much uncertainty. Spiritual practice can be a way to connect with a sense of home and safety when the world feels unpredictable.
Creating a Space for Strong Emotions. I create a ceremonial space or expression when I am feeling strong emotions. For me this is usually some kind of altar space, or another kind of creative expression such as visual art, song, dance, or movement that helps me be with what I am feeling in a self-compassionate way.
Remembering We Are Not Alone. I feel less alone when I remember there are others around the world who are also leaning on their spirituality right now as we face crisis. Even though our practices and approaches may be different, what we have in common is our spirituality. This means we are not alone, even when distancing during this epidemic. Some of us may be part of a spiritual group or congregation who can support us via phone or online in some way. And of course, spirituality can also undo aloneness by connecting us to unseen support (i.e. helpful spirits, ancestors, God, Allah, angels, saints, deities, or others depending on one’s particular faith).
Being with Death. Spirituality often provides us perspectives and understandings of death. In times of great loss, such as we are experiencing on the planet right now, spirituality can help us ride the waves of grief and come to terms with loss. It can also help us support others who are facing loss, or who may be dying.
Connecting to the Transpersonal. Spirituality can connect us with something more expansive than our individual self. By connecting in a grounded way to the transpersonal realm, we can access something larger than ourselves and perhaps experience things that are mystical or outside the ordinary. When life or the world around us feels difficult, this may help us find higher meaning and grow our resilience.
Practicing or remembering these things has helped me. There are so many spiritual worldviews and approaches, and whatever yours may be, my hope is that it can be a support for you during this crisis.
Post by Diana O. Verschoor, April 4, 2020
Reference
June, L. (2019). Reclaiming our Indigenous European roots. The Moon Magazine.