Tuesdays with TJae: Wash Your Hands, Stay Home & Breathe
Wash your hands. Stay home. Don't be an alarmist. Breathe. I've missed you. A LOT has changed since we were last together. We're in the midst of a global pandemic. I mention that, not as news, but in case we're reading this 20 years from now and can't remember what the big deal was.
In Houston, we just got the "stay at home" order which is, for now, in effect until April 3rd. I suspect it will last well into April, but who's to say?
In light of all that's going on, I just wanted to be the 1,000th person to remind you to wash you hands. Additionally, follow the laws of your land as they relate to coming and going for business and pleasure. Sprinkle in some common sense for good measure. I know. I know. Common sense is not always that common. Forgive me for assuming the best of you if it doesn't readily apply.
Um, I tried to think of a nicer way to make this next point, but decided to just shoot straight. Don't be an alarmist.
What does that mean? I'm glad you asked.
We have more than enough fear and anxiety to go around. Please wait until you have official, official, official information from an official source before sharing what's about to happen, what might happen, what could be next, what someone sitting next to you on the non-social-distancing-bus said. Even if the source is well meaning and reliable, if it's not happening in the present moment, please wait until it is. In other words, don't turn on the fire until you have something to put in the pan.
Lastly, BREATHE. Practice now. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. A tiny bit of breathing goes a long, long way. The video below is a DIY Bubble Meditation exercise that will support you in your breathing practices.
Tap the image and the video will play.
One more thing . . . Well, two more things. Fresh air is important. Go outside. Talk a walk. Walk a labyrinth. You heart and mind need that. Also, check on your extrovert friends. Set up a FaceTime, Google Duo or Zoom. Have a virtual dance party with one of the 16,000 DJs spinning live on IG or FB. Make sure that social distancing doesn't become isolation or disconnection.