It feels like it’s been a long summer. I spent most of it inside or taking long walks. But I also have been meditating, doing yoga, writing, coaching, and preparing for the teaching I do remotely.

At the end of each day, I gratefully slip into bed and reflect. Not only has the summer felt long, but the days have felt full—even though I have seen very few people.

Change continues even when it seems externally little is happening in one’s life. We are still confronted with the pandemic and with all the issues that it has exacerbated: fears not only about our own health, but about infecting others, having enough money, helping family members, and dealing with isolation.

There is also tremendous turmoil in our world, and some are taking action to make a difference. But many of us are needing to focus on our own particular circumstances.

Life goes on. The flowers bloom, the trees stand tall, and children laugh and play—even if they are wearing masks.

I’ve learned that even when it’s hard to alter our external circumstances, internally there is movement. And when we set the intention to direct this movement, we can advance in a positive direction.

My own experience is that my meditation practice has become deeper, because I have felt the need to surrender to my current circumstances and ask the powers within, and which I believe are also without, to help me stay strong and focused.

As a coach and a teacher, I have tried to focus on what I can do for my students and clients, and this has helped me from becoming overly concerned about what will happen to me personally.

Connecting with nature is a source of strength. Taking walks, even in the city, I am able to find parks or areas with trees and flowers. And for some reason, wearing a mask allows me to connect more with their energy.

What has helped you? What have you discovered about yourself? There is a deep and spacious source of strength within you. Stay connected to it and see what unfolds.

“It is a peculiarity of man that he can only live by looking to the future . . . . And this is his salvation in the most difficult moments of his existence, although he sometimes has to force his mind to the task.” — Viktor Frankl

“Life is filled with suffering, but it is also filled with many wonders, like the blue sky, the sunshine, the eyes of a baby. To suffer is not enough. We must also be in touch with the wonders of life. They are within us and all around us, everywhere, any time.”

–Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace