A Presentation of the Association for Death Education & Counseling program ADEC In Conversation: COVID-19 With Jill Harrington, Isaiah Allen, and Heather Stang

Mindfulness gives you permission to be however you are, and it gives you the tools you need to cope with however you are. (1:52)

Most of us are no stranger to anxiety and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis has shattered our collective assumptive world, leaving us to wonder how – or if it is even possible - to pick up the pieces and carry on.

Mindfulness can help you calm anxiety, reduce fear, and help you develop healthy coping skills for this pandemic and everything else life will throw your way. If you are exhausted from trying to think your way out of how you are feeling, keep reading.

Mindfulness is both a state-of-mind that can be cultivated at any time, and a meditation practice. Both harness the power of the present moment to cultivate a sense of equanimity – a calm and steady mind no matter what is happening. 

Most of our stress comes from rehashing the past and rehearsing the future. And rarely to we remember - or predict things - accurately. Our natural negativity bias makes sure we think the worst is going to – or has – happened. 

Mindfulness gives you the power of the present moment, freeing you from all of that messy time travel. It also creates space for you to become more intimate with the truth – what is really happening right now – rather than becoming lost in fantasy and fiction.

Mindfulness in uncertain times like these can be just the life vest you need. From helping you cope with feelings of loss and fear, to helping you take stock of what you still have left, this ancient practice has so many applications for our modern troubles. 

During this video conversion we explore how mindfulness can help you manage the biological reactions to the pandemic that lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, and ways that you can cultivate compassion for yourself during this very difficult time. 

May you find great value in these teachings! To learn more, consider joining Heather in Awaken, the mindfulness-based online grief support program.