As we all face the challenges of COVID-19, we continue to adapt to what life brings not knowing when it will end or what the aftermath will be. This is a time to strengthen our faith and trust that everything will work out for our highest good. God is leading the way. During this time of uncertainty and unrest, I invite you to go within and find peace inside your heart.
In the midst of my own struggles to adapt, I had a dream that was filled with challenges, darkness, and hardships. I was also taking care of a young child along the way. In the dream I was afraid for my life, the safety of the child and experienced a strong fear that I was not going to make it but something deep inside me trusted that I needed to keep going. I followed the guidance of others for my next steps. At the end of my dream, I came out of a dark tunnel and stepped into the light where I saw a lot of people who were happy to see me and the child I was caring for. It seemed like they were waiting for me. This dream reaffirmed that I need to keep going and that the end is near.
The COVID-19 experience will be forever embedded in our minds. This experience has shaken us like nothing before. Is it going to make us stronger or weaker? It’s up to us – we have a choice.
Being afraid for our health, the health of our loved ones, and the fear of not having enough financial resources to cover our basic needs are serious fears. Listening to the news confirms that we should be scared. However, when we choose to go within – inside our heart – we can begin to shift our focus and the deeper the connection gets, the more we can find peace and stillness.
HeartMath Institute in California has created a beautiful, simple meditation to help calm fears and worries – Heart Breathing Meditation – that I have adapted and teach people to use. Everyone who uses it can find inner peace. I invite you to practice it and find peace within yourself, no matter what is going on in the outside world.
Gently close your eyes, notice your breath going in and out, gently and softly. No need to change your breathing, just follow each breath as it goes in and out. Notice the space between the out-breath and the new in-breath. With your next in-breath bring your awareness to your heart center and imagine that your heart is your lungs and breathe in and out through your heart.
Repeat to yourself: I breathe in through my heart, I breathe out through my heart. Next add: I breathe in love through my heart. I breathe out peace through my heart.
Stay with this simple meditation for five minutes and you will begin to notice pleasant changes.
You can also add these beautiful words from Thich Nhat Hanh:
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment.
When I was struggling with insomnia, I looked everywhere for answers, but it wasn’t until I looked within that I began to find peace and better sleep came with it. Also, my true professional path unfolded in front of me as I kept listening to my heart more deeply. In addition to improving my sleep, I now have a dream job that allows me to help others create wellness, happiness, abundance and success in their lives.
The answer to our pain and suffering is inside our hearts. Be still and listen to the subtle voice of your heart. Allow your struggles to be your teacher and your guide. Keep looking for the gift within you – it is there and ready to unfold. May you be well, happy, and confident.
About the author
Veronica Correa, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified hypnotherapist and life coach. To learn more about her work visit: www.thepersonalwellnesscenter.com or call 410-742-6016.
