- Mary Helen Robert, LAc
Navigating COVID-19 - Resources/Info
Updated: Apr 29
* Please Note * I'm updating the Resources/Information section regularly so check back often.
How's everyone doing out there? You're all on my mind and I'm wishing the best to you and yours. For my patients, I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate the temporary closure of the clinic. And, I would like to extend extra special thanks for all individuals on the front lines during this unprecedented time. I know you are all experiencing waves of emotion right now. I'm right there with you. I have embraced an interesting place of acceptance as of just a few days ago. I also know that could change tomorrow, so as my teacher and mentor (Dr. Gabor Maté) often says, "get curious about what is coming up for you."
"When an emotion arises within you such as anger, disappointment, hurt, or confusion, get curious about it. Rather than making it a problem, see it as a treasure to be explored, as something that is here to teach you if you are willing to learn. For that willingness to learn, you need to have curiosity." Dr. Gabor Maté
Being curious about our feelings/emotions can be difficult on a normal day, let alone in the midst of a global pandemic. I know the best thing I can do right now is take care of myself and help others when and where I am able. I'm trying to learn as much as I can right now, while not putting too much pressure on myself, or judging myself too harshly. This is no easy task for me so in remaining curious I am able to maintain a little more self-compassion. And I find that when I'm in the curious state there really isn't much room for judgement.
I'm also doing my best to truly slow down, no matter how uncertain or scary that may be. I'm refining my self-care tools/priorities so that I can be of better service to my patients and a more conscious steward of this earth. I've heard lots of people say, "make the most of your time off" or "hope you're enjoying your forced staycation." This is interesting to me as it doesn't feel like time off at all, let alone a staycation. These statements put too much pressure on our already guilt/excess laden culture and thus, my curious place as of late. The uncertainty of our current situation has lead to global fear/overwhelm/anxiety; our routines have been disrupted and many of us are unemployed or attempting to work from home and looking after children; we have decreased boundaries and outlets to relieve stress; increased distractions; excess news intake.......................
Putting pressure on ourselves to get things done, tackle old to-do lists, and maximize productivity doesn't make a lick of sense during a global pandemic. It is futile as well as being deleterious to our health and wellbeing. I'm focusing on not having a to-do list at all and exploring again what it means to surrender. Perhaps I'll put some notes around the house that say, "let whatever you do today be enough." In the meantime, I am continuing to think of ways that I might be able to assist/support my patients and the community during this time and from my home. We are all suffering in different, yet very similar ways right now and I feel compelled to keep the lines of communication open. I will be updating this blog with resources/information (and potential ramblings). Previous posts can also be helpful during this time so I encourage you to peruse and please share if you feel any of the material would be helpful to someone you know. You can also click here to subscribe in order to receive notifications about new blog posts. No spam! - I dislike that stuff as much as anyone else. I am open to any suggestions about content you might like or anything else I can provide that would be useful for you. I'm all ears! And, just a reminder - I am a one-woman show, which means (in addition to everything else) I do all the tech/website stuff so if you have any problems with subscribing or the website please let me know.
See below for the aforementioned resources/information:
Resources to Support Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Life and Love Under Quarantine - Esther Perel
Dr. Avery Carpenter (Functional Medicine in Chattanooga) "smart strategies to stay well and what to do if you actually get sick". Click here for a recording of her webinar from 6 April 2020.
How to move your breathing parts better - Nutritious Movement
The Center for Mindful Living (Chattanooga, TN) is now offering many of its daily Mindfulness Practice Programs online. All Mindfulness Practice Programs are FREE to members and may be attended on a drop in basis. The non-member drop-in price is $10.
Support local farms at the Wednesday Main St. Market. Most farms are now doing pre-order only so make sure you allow time for processing.
For parents at home with kids, you'll want to know this. We have a parenting guru only an hour and a half from Chattanooga. Greg Baer, MD is offering free, daily Facebook Lives to help you survive being home with your kids. You can ask questions, and he'll answer. He has written 17 books on relationships, happiness, and parenting, so take advantage of this resource. FB Lives are Mon- Fri at 1:00 PM ET, plus archives from earlier calls are available to watch now.
Local (Chattanooga, TN) yoga studio Southern Soul Yoga is offering free streaming classes for the month of April to keep you moving and grounded.
Chris Kresser - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources - a wealth of information so take some time to explore all that he has here
For small business owners (keep in mind that this information is changing daily and your local Small Business Development Center can be very helpful with navigating the best options):
