I hope this post finds you feeling safe, and calm, with everything you need. We’re still down in southeastern Arizona at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Last week, word came down from the main office that all cavern tours were cancelled, and last weekend the Discovery Center also closed. The campground and hiking trails are still open until further notice. All volunteers here, except camp hosts, have been officially relieved of all duties.
When we heard we were no longer working, I was excited about the two week vacation before our planned departure to Phoenix at the end of March, en route to our summer job on the southern Oregon coast that starts mid-May.
But as friends described the panic and hoarding that was happening in the big city, I had no desire to be there for the planned two weeks. Marika and I talked about bypassing Phoenix completely, but both of us agreed that we should spend at least a few days in Phoenix, to see my dad.
But then what? Should we continue on to Oregon by way of the Great Salt Lake for spring migration? Head to northern Arizona, in case this lasts through the summer? Or hang out to see what happens. We just didn’t have enough information to make any decisions.
Those few days of not knowing if and when and where we were going, made me edgy and unsettled. I distracted myself with planning possible travel routes, and I kept checking the Oregon Parks website.
It rained most of one of the days, so I couldn’t even walk it off. But every night before bed, I’d lie on my back, focusing on my breath, and relaxing every muscle in my body, from my toes to the crown of my head, so that I could at least get a good sleep. Marika, the minimalist, didn’t really understand my concerns, and was fine with whatever decisions we made.
And then we got news that Oregon State Parks were closed through at least May 8, and I finally knew we weren’t going anywhere. I hoped we could stay put, at least through the end of April. We checked with our supervisor and were told that we can stay as long as we need to.
Finally, I could relax. We’re in a perfect place with free rent and full hookups. It’s a small town, we have ample space between us and our neighbors, and there are lots of places to walk and go birding.
Two of our neighbor co-volunteers pulled out on Thursday, headed to their house and family in Missouri. The couple next to them left on Friday, heading home to Kansas. Most of the rest of us are full-timers with no house to return to. So we’re just sheltering in place, waiting to hear if our summer gigs are still a go.
We’re no longer allowed to gather in groups of more than ten, but we talk with our neighbors every day when we’re out walking. We also stay in contact via an app, and folks are picking up supplies for each other as needed.
And, now that we’re not working, Marika is going birding more often, and we’ll be driving out to the donkey sanctuary once a week to brush the donkeys.
Last night I looked up the summer temperatures here, just in case. We’re at 4500’, so it’s not nearly as hot as Phoenix. Still, it can get up to 100° at the height of the day. But we have air conditioning, and foil panels to insulate the windows, and it cools down to the 60’s at night. And, funny, thing, Marika has always wanted to spend a summer in southeastern Arizona, because it’s a mecca for so many rare birds. And I hear the summer monsoon storms are amazing. So we’ll see what happens.
But for now, it seems to be the perfect place for us to be, especially at this time of year. The days are sunny and mild, and evenings are still cool enough to sleep under flannel sheets. There are small green leaves on the mesquite branches, and pops of yellow and purple wildflowers are appearing on the trails. There are all kinds of new bird songs in the mornings, and I’ve spotted several varieties of butterflies and caterpillars along the road. After all of the recent rain, there is water flowing in the Guindani Wash. And the sky, as always, is so big and ever-changing. Just like everything.
I hope you are finding ways to flow with the changes, ride the uncertainties, and rest into some peaceful knowing that we are all in this together. I’d love to hear how you are staying grounded and centered, and what fun things you are discovering about life as you, too, shelter in place.
Be well. Breathe deep. Feel safe.
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7 Practices for Sheltering in Place
1. Breathe
Focus on your breath. Inhale slowly and consciously. Exhale deeply and fully. In and out. Breathing calms the nervous system. Following your breath takes you out of your head and into your body. Breathing brings you to the present moment, where you are safe, where you are healthy, where you have everything you need.
2. Feel your feelings, but don’t become them
It’s understandable that you will worry, feel anxious, spin out in fear. Don’t follow the stories you are hearing and telling yourself. Come back to where you are, right now. Focus on something near you that brings you comfort. Make a list of your favorite things. Allow yourself to exhale and let go, to be OK with not having control. Engage in an activity that requires presence and attention, perhaps something that you can control.
3. Give yourself permission to be lazy
So much has shifted and we are having to deal with so many new ways of living. Yes, there is a long list of things you could be doing with all of this stay at home time. Resting and slowing down are also important, to give yourself time and space to adjust to all of the changes. Binge watch Netflix. Go down a YouTube rabbit hole. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Enjoy a long phone call with a friend. Read an entire book in one sitting. Notice spring happening outside your windows. Turn all of those “should’s” into “could’s, with no obligations.”
4. Keep moving
Physical activity is good for the body and the mind. Shake your arms and shoulders loose when you’re feeling tense. Get up from your screen every two hours and stretch. If you miss going to the gym, find some online workouts and yoga classes. Turn up the music and dance. Create a fun obstacle course through your house. Go for a walk in your yard or neighborhood or a park. And be sure to say hello to everyone you see. From a safe distance, of course.
5. Learn stuff*
So many museums, zoos, aquariums, and national parks are offering free virtual tours, and video cams. Famous chefs are giving online cooking lessons. Folks are teaching online art classes. Even audible.com is offering some classics for free listening.
6. Create a new routine
Our minds and bodies love routine. Knowing what we’re going to be doing brings a sense of order, and order brings calm. Get out of bed at your usual time. Shower and get dressed. Eat regular meals. If you are working from home, show up on time, and take regular breaks. Reprioritize. Set small, manageable goals. Follow your energy, and be willing to do things differently.
7. Connect
Stay in touch with your neighbors, your family, your self. Ask for assistance. Share your gifts. Find new ways to support each other. Join an online gathering. Write an old fashioned letter. Find humor and delight and gratitude in the simple things.
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* I’ve made all of my old Mac training e-books available for no charge. (Donations accepted). www.sparktheheart.com/mac
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