By Tami Tack
Like most everyone, I have found it challenging to maintain a sense of well-being during this extended time of COVID-19. With the added global awakening to the systemic racism that has been ignored for centuries, the resulting tension in our country and on our planet has definitely affected my equanimity. When in doubt, I turn to my Quadrinity for help.
Quadrinity Care
Whenever I feel out of balance, I first ask my Body what it needs. I find that often if I need sleep, food, or exercise, my body lets me know with a distress signal that cannot be ignored. In fact, until basic body needs have been addressed, I am unable to clearly connect with my Emotional Self, my Intellect, or even my Spiritual Self.
My Dark Side has been active in sabotaging my body needs with statements such as “You’re just lazy. You don’t need to rest.” Or “You’re hungry? You are so suggestible!” Fewer outside distractions have given me the opportunity to pay attention to my body, and to become aware of the Dark Side messages that make me doubt myself.
Connecting Creatively
My Emotional Self craves connection and feels keenly the loss of hugs, of gatherings, of singing in choirs, and the contact high of being in large groups at concerts and plays. I get to learn to connect creatively with loved ones, to continue my gatherings online, and to learn to be content with my own company.
My Intellect quickly became restless with closed libraries, and dissatisfied with Netflix and television. Craving outside sources of stimulation I looked for ways to expand my learning. I began exploring the books I already had at home, and started writing about my experiences during quarantine.
Right now I’m challenged mightily by a class called “Seeing Racism; Unpacking Whiteness”. My Intellect rewards me by being willing to dive deep and explore new material as I read books that I previously thought too academic for my taste.
Each Day Is a Gift
Each morning, I ask my Spiritual Self to guide me in making choices that will help me make the most of this very precious day. As more and more people die, I am so aware that each day is a gift that cannot be taken for granted. I choose not to engage in toxic arguments on Facebook, and yet remain committed to addressing issues of racism and any “otherism” that I encounter.
I ask my Spiritual Self for help in maintaining integrity and compassion as I move through my day. I seek moments of beauty, looking for the small things that bring me joy. I have become aware of the sequence of blooming flowers in our garden, the migrating birds that congregate at our feeders, the cloud formations, the star shows at night.
Before COVID-19, I was often too hasty, too focused on tasks, to notice these small and simple things. Now they touch my soul in a way that brings me back to center. And at night, I am grateful for a day of loving connections, of moments of beauty, of new ideas and deep learning. It is my intention to look back at each day as a day well-lived; one where, if it were my last, I would have no regrets.
Kathy Hickman
08/06/20 at 3:28 PM
Just found this and it was a perfect reminder of how to really live this “one precious life” with awareness and gratitude in the midst of the many challenges of COVID. The Quadrinity Check-In is something I try to do every morning upon awakening, and I appreciate the ways of connecting that you outline here. Thank you!
Paul
07/28/20 at 11:00 AM
Thank you Rhoda! Such a lovely reminder to slow down and use the gifts of our senses to see and appreciate all the beauty around us. Paul
Robin
07/20/20 at 1:22 PM
Thank you Tami for the much needed reminders!
Peace and Love,
Robin
Craig McAndrew
07/20/20 at 10:37 AM
Lovely, Tami!
Tami Tack
07/20/20 at 11:52 AM
Thanks, Craig! That means so much to me.
Brooke
07/20/20 at 8:48 AM
What a lovely, rounded and full of loving observation essay.
Thank you!
Tami Tack
07/20/20 at 11:53 AM
‘Thank you, Brooke! Your words touched my heart.
Rhoda Epstein
07/20/20 at 7:15 AM
Thanks beautiful ! Wrote it all down
. I am a former student of Bob Hoffman we were very close. I keep in touch with him almost every day I
Am in other recovery groups .Forget just how powerful the process is! 1979 My whole family took the week in California. I’m going to read the books again.Stay safe Rhoda
..
Tami Tack
07/20/20 at 11:54 AM
Thanks for your comment, Rhoda. What a privilege to study with Bob Hoffman!