Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :

Living during Coronavirus pandemic

Dedicated to every being’s happiness for the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

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Wow what a fabulous title, image quote, opening to this article - if I say so myself. The opening quote is not mine but from Charles Dickens in the opening of a Tale of Two Cities - captures the present moment well. Likewise the Viktor Frankl quote happened to be the one in my Happiness Journal as I started this blog. The title is borne fruit from creative, inspired and motivated moments that I have recently had (quite humbly proud so I am going to savour it and affirm the positive, in fact I’ll share a clever quote that I came up with - though could be a paraphrase of someone else’s!). I started this blog article as a refreshing relish from the recent weeks of brain fog clouded by confusion, worry, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, helplessness and distraction. Anyone else felt the same?

I am worried about:

• my elderly parents who have underlying health conditions so are high risk to the virus

• my son due to sit his GCSEs in a few months

• my finances

• my developing happiness business

• my own, my families and friends health

• our communities, our nation, our world

• our future

Quite surreal the times we are living in. Impacting everything and I mean everything. Stockmarkets imploding on a daily basis - savaging our investments, pensions and futures, country by country, nation by nation, community by community, person by person filling with uncertainty and forced changed - that we can do nothing about. The news being only on one topic, people going into Chicken Little mode “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”, rumours, conspiracy theories and misinformation perpetuating the fear and stock piling. On a daily basis and sometimes hourly radical changes occurring. Industries, nations, leaders brought to their knees. How do we cope? How do we survive?

The communities that I am a part of; being for me a source of faith, learning, growth, health, service and social activity were all stopping events and activity - badminton clubs, youth clubs, Jain Faith School, Jain Faith Convention, meditation circles, etc. This was impacting my sense of connection, community, clarity and meaning.

I’m a Happiness Coach, trained in Science of Happiness, Personal Development and Spirituality and during this period of worry, zombie mode, lack of direction & action, helplessness as things unfolded impacting everything, I struggled. The nudge from my wise wife and a couple of conversations with a few people led to this action. Change the focus from doom and gloom to positivity, kindness and happiness - tap into what you know that helps and tap into others. I reached out to my communities via various means to ask how they were dealing and coping. The response and contributions were fabulous : quotes, actions, tips, meditations, poetry, humour, special voice recorded message. Around the same time I got some emails/newsletters with wonderful content. Funny how the Universe delivers what we focus on and how the Law of Attraction works. All the contributions are gems that can positively impact and uplift. I personally got direction, connection, insights, energy and inspiration. Thankful for it all.

I am currently hosting a 21 Day Simple Living Challenge that on day 16 when I started this article had the theme: Day 16: Practice Single-tasking - so using that I have focused onto research and content for this article.

Together in Isolation - has a few meanings, it means if we do have to go into isolation or social distancing we are not alone, we are in this together, it is a shared humanity. The forced changes break our existing routines, reality and isolation can lead to a sense of disconnection, loneliness and depression. See the previous 2 articles on Happier Relationships. By being selfish, self centred we will not get through this. Every human (and other living beings also) is being impacted.

This quote is from an informative, sensible action packed podcast is really worth listening to. I love the Mantra: Stay Centred, Follow the Science, Don't succumb to Fear, Spread Information not the Virus. Here is the link Coronavirus and Our Common Humanity Commune with Jeff Krasno

The Universe, Mother Nature, Earth the greatest innovator and disrupter has decided that humanity as a collective needed a moment to standstill, break the pattern, take stock (not stock pile!), reflect on what matters, be present and mindful, escape from the every day business and take a look around and be reminded of the higher power - the power of love, kindness, compassion and peace.

I remember Wayne Dyer sharing an example of squeezing (not sneezing!) an orange and asking what will come out? Will it be apple juice? No. Grapefruit juice? No. Orange Juice? Yes. Why? Because that is what is inside. The Universe from time to time will test us and squeeze. What will come out? Whatever is on the inside will come out. If inside is selfish, self centred, greedy, inconsiderate, angry, fearful then that is what will be expressed. If inside is love, peace, kindness, gratitude, happiness, certainty then that is what will show up. We are currently being squeezed. We see this with the stories of people going nuts and stockpiling out of fear and selfishness, being xenophobic and spreading misinformation. I read a story of a many who picked up the last packet of pasta in a store when he already had plenty more packets and an elderly lady requesting if she could have it as she had none and him saying no. Or the photos of people who stockpiled items that will last well into next year. These stories play heavy on the heart and bring a dark cloud in the mind. Fortunately I am reading and hearing more positives such as the Sikh person who helps feed the homeless extending to give cleaning materials, maps of public washrooms and information on how to wash hands, or the Italians singing as a community in the evening while in lock down, or the coordinated clapping by Spanish for the gratitude to the front line health care professionals dealing with this crisis. This BBC link shares kindness stories including the creative idea of a postcard for options to help for those self isolating.

I am currently reading the incredible, gripping book Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It is a 933 page novel biography peppered with wonderful ideas. This is the perfect book to read if self isolating. One question in it is: What is an objective, universally acceptable definition of good and evil?

I love the answer “What would happens if everyone did this?”. What would happen if everyone stockpiled? What would happen if everyone passed on the mis-information and fear? What would happen if everyone followed the guidelines on hand washing? What would happen if everyone looked out for and helped each other? Food for thought - stock pile that!

Together in Isolation

Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :

Living during Coronavirus pandemic

Dedicated to every beings happiness on the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.

Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach - Happy Life Habits

I reached out to my communities to ask what tips, practices, ways where they dealing with and coping with the pandemic. These are ordinary people like you and me - Humans. They are also extraordinary as you will see when you read, contemplate or hear their contributions. They are from a mix of faiths, nations, ages, genders, experiences, vocations including retired, pharmacists, dentists, finance/investment people, change makers, consultants, coaches, facilitators, trainers, teachers, volunteers, accountants, journalists, technologists, yoga teachers, healers, carers and home makers. I have compiled some of the overall themes that have been shared as well as my own thoughts and then some of the detailed sharing all of which help finding certainty in uncertain times. They all relate to the 4 human dimensions of Physical, Mental, Social/Emotion and Spiritual (see previous articles) and some are the basics we all know we should do.

CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

• Focus on the things that you can control - all of the below suggestions

• Control your energy; focus on higher energies

• Finances - review income and expenses (see note later)

• Remember the Serenity Prayer

  “God grant me the serenity

  to accept the things I cannot change; 

  Courage to change the things I can; 

  And wisdom to know the difference.”

ROUTINE

• Our routines, plans and structures are likely to have been disrupted. Creatively develop empowering happy life habits that supplement new ways to do old things or replace old routines

• Replace the routines of checking email, watching the news, refreshing the news or stock market webpages, social media, whatsapp messages etc every 5 mins. Switch off notifications and schedule and limit time when you will do these activities

• Plan , organise and also be like a yoga teacher in your approach - be flexible

• Do not forward everything you receive about the virus. Except of course awesome articles/ emails like this one.

• Join the 21 Day Challenge

HEALTH

• Eat sensibly - fresh fruit/veg

• Hydrate well

• Sleep well - get adequate rest and sleep to rejuvenate

• Avoid toxins

• Keep exercising

• Keep breathing deeply

• Keep washing hands as per advice

CONNECTION

• Find ways to stay connected, in touch as alternative to the physical face to face. Use technology - Facetime, video conferencing, messaging apps, phone call, email (do remember the schedule/limit time aspect)

• Really deeply listen

MINDFULNESS & PRESENT MOMENT

• Be aware of your feelings, emotions, thoughts - don’t dwell on the dis-empowering, low energy ones - feel, observe, acknowledge and choose to change to more empowering high energy ones

• Be present

LEARNING

• Adapt, grow, develop, experiment and learn

• Follow the science, be informed

• Take opportunity to learn a new skill, revive and old one

• Watch videos (TED etc), listen to podcasts, join courses, read books, enjoy poetry

REFLECTION, GRATITUDE AND JOURNALLING

• Reflect

• Practice gratitude - like make of the other practices mentioned it helps well being and resilience

• Do some journalling - great to express, capture and learn from

KINDNESS

• Be kind

• Do kind, thoughtful acts

• Be kind to yourself, be kind to your nearest and dearest, be kind to others

• Viruses are contagious; so is panic, fear, hysteria; love, kindness, joy; choose wisely

NATURE

• Spend time in nature - walk in park, down the road, garden

• Get some fresh air and sunshine

• See some greenery, hear some birds singing

• Look at the sly, clouds, stars, moon

• Observe the changing of the seasons

SPIRITUALITY & FAITH

• Dive deeper into your spirituality or faith

• Sing songs, Bhakti & Jaap (devotional songs)

• Recite Prayers, Mantras and contemplate the meaning

• Meditate

• Keep Faith

• Help and Serve others

• Stay aware

HUMOUR & FEEL GOOD

• Smile - it increases your face value!

  This poem was chosen and read out by a young student at the last Jain School assembly we had before the school classes were cancelled due to the Virus. Some attribute it to Spike Milligan and some to Jez Alborough. Either way it is a lovely poem.

  Smiling is infectious

  You can catch it like the flu

  When someone smiled at me today

  I started smiling too

  I walked around the corner

  And someone saw me grin

  When he smiled I realised

  I had passed it on to him

  I thought about the smile

  And then realised its worth

  A single smile like mine

  Could travel round the earth

  So if you feel a smile begin

  Don’t leave it undetected

  Start an epidemic

  And get the world infected.

• Read a good book, listen to your favourite music, watch your favourite film

• Practice Laughter Yoga

• Share a joke such as this one that I saw on Facebook …

  They drove us mad with Corona...
  We have become crazy.
  I went to the bathroom at a restaurant.
  
  I washed my hands, opened the door with my elbow,
  I raised the toilet seat with my foot,
  I switched on the water faucet with a tissue then opened the bathroom door to leave with my elbow

  and when I returned to my table I realized....
  
  I forgot to pull up my pants!!!

My friend Vicky Johnson, Co-Founder of The Museum of Happiness has recorded these thoughts and advice especially for this article. Really a great recording of some science and practical tools to use. It covers surfing the waves, no mud no lotus, 3 systems - Drive, Threat and Soothe - really useful, Energy management, self care and a gem (pun intended) of an idea about diamonds. Vicky hosts a weekly Facebook live on Happiness and Self Care.

Summarised tips contributed by volunteer teachers from Shree Chandana Vidhya Peeth Jain School (SCVP):

• Prayers : Navkar Mantra, Uvaasagaharam (Healing Prayer)

• Singing/Chanting: Stavans, Bhakti, Mantras

• Help Others

• Positivity

• Pranayam - Breathing

• Acceptance

• Keep Calm

• Read and follow the evidence based information

• Do not stockpile

Thanks to contributions from our SCVP volunteer teachers : Rita Shah, Sandip Shah, Ketan Varia, Tejas Udani, Rajeev Shah, Manjri Shah, Rasila Shah, Sonal Dadia, Vaishali Mehta, Hina Vora and Kajal Sheth

From friends linked on Face Book

• Vikrant Jain: It shall pass
  Or
  It shall pass and Hopefully we as humanity n individual will come out stronger by end of it

• Deepa Shah: If you are 'having' downtime, reframe it as a positive!

  So many things to replenish, rejuvenate and restore your body, mind and spirit:
  
  1. Read inspiring and uplifting books, articles or listen to podcasts.
  2. Practicing relaxation either tapping, guided relaxation or meditation.
  3. Practice some yogasana slowly with breath awareness and pranayama.

• Beejal Coulson: It’s important to have neutrality in the mind and generate peace rather than attempt to generate a positive mind in uncertain times. The practice of meditation is vital in these challenging times. Self care is vital. Where your attention goes is where your energy and focus goes so be mindful where you place your attention.

• Kevin Gosling:

  1 Don't panic and remain reasoned and sensible
  2 Enjoy life to the full as don't know what tomorrow will bring
  3 Family , friends and loved ones should always come first
  

• Tamzin Doggart: Even dark times are a possibility. Someone else has just posted: Just a reminder that when Shakespeare was quarantined because of the plague, he wrote King Lear.

• Nilesh Tarpo Shah: Be positive for negativity is all taken

• Minal Shah: I am self isolating.

  So already had some time to do things I never get round to doing... Although limited somewhat by symptoms.
  Wash hands with alertness, paying attention to how you do it rather than a regular ritual.
  You can still go for a walk as long as you don't make contact with others to get fresh air, exercise and to keep calm and carry on.
  Be thankful for each opportunity.

• Jyoti Mehta: Keep a routine of sorts. Still set your alarm clock for a certain time. And go for a walk!

• Bindi Shah: Remain in equanimity

Trishna Shah a friend who is a Service Space volunteer and hosts Awakin Circles in London has shared a few poems that she has received that have been penned during this pandemic.

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.

Yes there is isolation.

Yes there is panic buying.

Yes there is sickness.

Yes there is even death.

But,

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other

across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland

Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know

is busy spreading fliers with her number

through the neighbourhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples

are preparing to welcome

and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So we pray and we remember that

Yes there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul

Yes there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing,

Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing.

— Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM

March 13th 2020”

Pandemic

What if you thought of it

as the Jews consider the Sabbath—

the most sacred of times?

Cease from travel.

Cease from buying and selling.

Give up, just for now,

on trying to make the world

different than it is.

Sing. Pray. Touch only those

to whom you commit your life.

Center down.

And when your body has become still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are connected

in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.

(You could hardly deny it now.)

Know that our lives

are in one another’s hands.

(Surely, that has come clear.)

Do not reach out your hands.

Reach out your heart.

Reach out your words.

Reach out all the tendrils

of compassion that move, invisibly,

where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love--

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we all shall live."

--Lynn Ungar

Together in Isolation

Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :

Living during Coronavirus pandemic

Dedicated to every beings happiness on the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.

Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach - Happy Life Habits

In conclusion I hope this collection of thoughts, insights, ideas, meditations, poems, audio, quotes, sharings, actions, tips, habits, reflections that have graciously contributed to give an feeling of Togetherness in Isolation, help you find certainty in uncertain times. I have enjoyed the 2.5 full on days it has taken to collect, compile and structure this article. It has helped me focus, stay inspired and motivated. I have learnt new things, enjoyed feeling connected and have the certainty that we are in this together.

Any positive comments please share immediately, any negative please wait till after pandemic - got enough to deal with at the moment.

Have a Happy UN International Day of Happiness on March 20th.

I am grateful to all the people from my communities who responded to my request of tips on how they are dealing with the pandemic. Many contributions have been included in the article but I have not included all. In no particular order my thanks go out to :

Harshna Shah, Rita Shah, Sandip Shah, Ketan Varia, Tejas Udani, Rajeev Shah, Manjri Shah, Rasila Shah, Sonal Dadia, Vaishali Mehta, Hina Vora, Kajal Sheth, Jigna Deepesh Shah, Priti Shah, Seetal Popat, Vikrant Jain, Deepa Shah, Ravi Khanna, Beejal Coulson, Kevin Gosling, Tamzin Doggart, Nilesh Tarpo Shah, Minal Shah, Jyoti Mehta, Bindi Shah, Vishal Shah, Devi Savla, Sanjay Shah, Priya Ramesh Shah, Sidharth Shah, Niraj Shah, Mita Shah, Trishna Shah, Vicky Johnson, Shamash Alidina, Jane Jackson, Ashik Shah, Ani Devlia, Jeff Krasno, Dave Radparvar.

Apologies if I have missed anyone - it happens - I’m human ( well actual a spiritual being having a human experience).

I am holding free virtual group happiness coaching circles during the pandemic where we focus on happy practices like ones mentioned in this article and also include some of the contributors.. If interested get in touch. See also https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/events-and-workshops

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

Resources

Happy Life Habit Events

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page

Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group

21 Day Challenge

Coronavirus and Our Common Humanity Commune with Jeff Krasno

BBC Link Spreading Kindness

BBC Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health

Action for Happiness: Covid 19 how to respond

Vicky Johnson Museum of Happiness Weekly Happiness and Self care Facebook Live

Instagram on CoronaVirus Niraj Shah - co-founder Mind: Unlocked

Shamash Alidina, Co-Founder of The Museum Of Happiness and Mindfulness Teacher

Nick Wiiliams offering thought leader on Inspired Leadership and author of 18 books

Jane Jackson, Soul Coach and Emotional Healer

Sanjay Shah, Emotional Intelligence Speaker, Coach, Trainer

Mita Shah, Yoga teacher and Awakin Circle Host

Beejal Shah, Rapid Transformation Therapist and Creator of Quantum Life Technique

Priti Shah, Regional Director LightSide Financial - Debt Solutions

ServiceSpace

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.