How Long Will This Last?

Almost two decades ago, I decided to cut out all sugar for 3 months for both my health and just to see if I could actually do it.  At the time, it felt interminable and barely do-able.  But as it does, the days passed and I was soon enough back enjoying cookies.  The following year, I decided to do the same practice again.  Somehow, it was easier the second year because I understood the length of three months without anything sweet to eat.  Now we are in the middle of a shelter in place order with no clear end in sight, and I am reminded of that first year of no sugar.  Not because the two circumstances are anything alike in seriousness and consequence, but because of the feeling of a challenge made more difficult due to the seemingly endless nature of the period of time without cake or - in this moment - without normal life.  And still we can remind ourselves that time passes and we (and I mean 'we' because we are all doing this together) will get through this period.  I don't know about you, but I have been feeling so many feelings with the extended period of staying at home. Sometimes I feel like I have completely adjusted to the new normal and then I am hit with a wave of fear, grief or restlessness.  But really, things are not normal - no matter how privileged you are in your circumstance.  One of my favorite quotes is from Rilke, "No feeling is final".  Mindfulness teaches us how to be with our feelings and how to relate to them, including Rilke's instructions about the impermanence of feelings.  We have the opportunity to be with ourselves in a different way now - with more compassion and curiosity for the foibles of being human.  Remember that mindfulness is not about being a perfect human but a more alive and connected person.  We connect with ourselves with just a bit more compassion and patience!