COVID, Grace & Awe
Rereading my weekly journal entries is a much-loved Sunday morning ritual for me. This Sabbath’s reading helped me see the gifts in life…
First our son and his wife, who live upstairs, tested positive for Covid (it missed our granddaughter – yay!) My husband and I did our best to physically distance in our suite downstairs, but I tested positive for Covid 10 days ago. I moved into our office space to sleep on the hide-a-bed to protect my husband from infection. (Two days later he too, tested positive.)
Most of us have had (or will) get Covid so no surprise. Day two, I awoke with twisting gut pain and violent vomiting (thankfully my husband had bought Gravol.) I barely moved from my sanctuary where I slept off and on throughout the day.
Late afternoon propped upright on my warm bed, watching fluffy flakes fall on the Fir trees outside, knowing my family was nearby, I was buoyed by this moment of Grace. Only a few hours earlier I’d wondered if I’d survive the fever, pain, and nausea and now, hope and gratitude for life warmed me.
My daily walk was beyond my drained state, yet the healing power of nature called me. Pulling my hoody over my head, a long winter coat over my pyjamas, sliding into my winter boots, I shuffled into the backyard as the day receded.
I looked for Awe. This suggestion was made by author, Dacher Keltner, “AWE The New Science of Everyday Wonder.” Look for Awe. Go for Awe Walks. Awe heals and lifts us (scientifically proven).
The circle of Great Fir Guardians (whose forest our neighborhood lives in), cloaked in freshly falling snow invoked awe. Still, Silent Sentinels stood witnessing our little lives hunkered upon their massive root system.
Then, a piercing whistle. A predator circling overhead swooped into the Great Mother Tree towering at the back of our property. Followed by another rush of wings, a second hawk landed upon the same limb. Tingles up my spine and crown… Awe swept me.
I stood in the stillness until the hawks took flight and then, shuffled back to bed.
Amidst the trying times – I am humbled and grateful for moments of Awe – Grace – Healing.
Recording awe moments in our journal, anchors life's uplifting experiences and reminds us to look for them.
