Three Things To Remember
As long as you're dancing, you can
break the rules.
Sometimes breaking the rules is just
extending the rules.
Sometimes there are no rules.
—Mary Oliver
It's a confusing time for us all, with the rules of engagement in a time of pandemic seemingly changing all the time, sources of information spotty at best, misinformation delivered from the most prominent microphones in our nation ...
I've been making some of my own "rules," whether it's to try my best daily to walk as far as the Charolais cattle who live in my neighborhood, or to witness something of beauty during a time of Saucer Magnolia glory, or to reach out to a friend I may not have spoken to in a long time.
Many of you have been writing with "new rules" for working cooperatively for the common good: avoiding products with the WIC (a federal food assistance program) label in the supermarket so that people who need them can access those items, downloading patterns for creating one's own facemask or for donation to area hospitals, checking in with people who might appreciate help with groceries or a delivered hot meal.
Recently, in a meeting of UU ministers, I heard some "new rules" in the form of affirmations:
Affirmations in the Time of Self Isolation
- I'm allowed to rest.
- I don't have to be productive to be worthy.
- My feels are real.
- I am doing enough.
- I am allowed to take a break from the news cycle.
- I deserve to be cared for.
- I am allowed to be fearful.
- I can spend extra time on myself.
Sometimes, we have to access new freedom simply by focusing in on new rules for how we treat ourselves.
What are some "new rules" that you have affirmed for yourselves or for your families during these disorienting days?
What new ways of social engagement with our communities have you discovered?
What "rules" are you "breaking" so that, in the words of Mary Oliver, you can keep "dancing"?
Stay well, friends,
Rev Craig :)
