Since the onset of the pandemic, we have all experienced some form of isolation, alienation, anxiety, or loss. We have felt the psychological and social impact of prolonged exposure to this stress. To what extent has our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health been affected? By what means do we process what we have experienced? After living in pandemic limbo, how do we transition into a post-pandemic life with a sense of wholeness and joy?

The past year, some of us have expressed anger and frustration or felt an unexpected shift in work and career. Some found creative and productive ways to adapt and developed new healthy habits and activities. Others fell back into old destructive patterns and habits. Some were less affected and continued to thrive with minimal disturbance.  Others slowly succumbed to the stress, fear, and grief of loss and separation and continue to feel stuck or in limbo.

Have you been living in limbo?

You’ve been going about your day with a different but doable schedule. You were managing your life and getting things done with few problems. At least that’s what you believed.

Then at some point, you come to realize you’ve been living in survival mode and not flourishing. You’ve been living in limbo – not happy and excited and yet not depressed. You feel stuck like you are living somewhere between here and there.

You cannot put your finger on exactly what you are feeling and why. However, what you do know is that you are tired but don’t feel physically sick. Something feels off. Mentally you feel as though you are in a fog. You are restless and not fully present in what you are doing. You are not able to focus and concentrate.

Sometimes you feel like you are going through the motions without moving your life forward. You realize going back to the old way of life is not an option. There is an underlying feeling of uneasiness inside that you cannot pinpoint. The stress of the pandemic has lowered your vibration. You feel as though your energy and enthusiasm is lacking, and your vibrant inner light has dimmed.

Many are still struggling with loss, whether having lost someone or something or our old way of life. Moving out of limbo is a process. Change involves a period of transition. Some of us are comfortable adjusting to change while others find it a challenge and resist. Know that you are not alone.

What lies ahead in the year to come?

Adjusting to a new way of living is a personal endeavor. For many, it will be a time for reflection, expanded awareness, and seeing possibilities that bring about healing and joy. Others may prefer to keep things as they are right now. Some may choose to wait until they feel more comfortable before venturing out and getting back into in-person socializing.

Whichever path you choose, be gently with yourself and do not rush the process. Some of us may or may not be ready to make the transition. Take it slow and ease into it. The following are suggestions to help elevate your vibration and move forward with a sense of harmony and wellbeing.

Transitioning out of limbo – cultivate your inner light

• Talk about your feelings. Let others know what you are going through. Call supportive family and friends. Don’t hide and seclude yourself, keeping your feelings bottled up inside. Tune in to what you are learning about yourself. What do you desire and need? Don’t be afraid to ask. Rise above the fear of feeling vulnerable. Remember, we are in this together. If you are unable to get in touch with your feelings, consider working with a professional.
• Explore new things. Take one simple and small action a day that has you experience something new. Shake up your energy and feel a sense of accomplishment. Find the meaning and joy in small things. It may be as simple as making your bed. Learn 7 new words in 7 days. Drive and discover a new place and change of scenery.
• Create a new project. Start with something small that will help develop more confidence. And remember to celebrate small victories.
• Commune with nature. As spring is here, spend moments in nature and stimulating your senses and connect to the Divine. Be aware of what you see and hear, the aromas and textures. Go barefoot and connect with the earth. Let your feet absorb the natural, electrical energy of the earth. Also, studies show this practice helps reduce stress, inflammation, and pain while improving mood and sleep.
• Engage in activities mindfully. Practice being in the present moment and expand your awareness. It will help you find the value and purpose of what you are doing. Ask yourself without judgment: Is what you are doing harmful or helpful to you? Do you want to watch the 3^rd movie in a row on TV and blow off spending time with loved ones? Or do you want to take a mid-afternoon walk to feel rejuvenated to help stimulate your creativity?
• Embrace uncertainty. The constant stress of uncertainty is exhausting. After all, there is only so much the body and mind can handle without the proper coping skills. Our life force energy can be drained not knowing what is ahead. Know what you can control and accept those things you cannot control. Specific goals may no longer be attainable. Shift your focus on what you can manage and change. Choose thoughts, feelings, and actions that help you navigate challenging times. Accept the way things are as a part of life.
• Get moving. Engage in physical activity. Movement changes the brain’s functioning and boosts your mood, attention, and energy. A single workout has immediate effects on the brain. With this in mind, consider including 30 minutes of movement three times a week, whether it’s a brisk walk, cardio workout, or dancing to the oldies.
• Humor is healing. Laughter is known to relieve tension and lighten up the intensity of stress. However, amid a pandemic, it’s important to realize what types of humor are appropriate. Surely, you want to show compassion and empathy and think before sharing a joke. You may or may not be aware of what another person is going through in their lives. Be careful of using humor at the expense of others. Laugh with someone and not at someone. Tickle your funny bone with funny movies or stand-up comedy.
• Practice gratitude. Suffering and tough times are a part of life. You are not a victim. Let go of negative emotions. Every challenge is not a life-threatening crisis. Shift your perception and change how you respond to your situation. Tune in to the positive and good aspects of your life. What good things happened today? What are you grateful for? Enjoy what you have in your life.

A new journey into a post-pandemic life

Given these points we embark upon a new journey. As we transition into a post-pandemic life, we continue to learn more about what is most important to us. We decide what we want to keep, what we want to remove, and where we choose to focus our attention. We are constantly evolving. Spend moments in silence and listen to your inner wisdom. Discover what motivates you toward a renewed sense of self.

“We have a chance to do something extraordinary.

As we head out of this pandemic, we can change the world.

Create a world of love. A world where we are kind to each other.

Let love and kindness be our roadmap.”

– Johnny Corn