More than one thing can be true at the same time...

As COVID-19 brings uncertainty and change with every passing day, I’ve realized the importance of noticing and accepting the fact that more than one thing can be true at the same time. For example, I can start to take comfort in the “new routine” and slower paced life, while simultaneously missing my “old routine” and the activities of my “old life.” I can feel really lucky that my family is (currently and to our knowledge) healthy, and that I have a husband that I love and with whom I get a long and co-parent pretty well, while also wishing I could see my friends and get out to socialize and feeling a little resentful that I’m cooped up at home. I’ve found it helpful to hold each of these truths in my hands - one in each hand and I turn my attention back and forth between the 2 of them and just notice how each of them makes me feel. Without judgement of either of them.

Why do I do this? What is the importance of recognizing that more than one thing can be true at the same time?

Our emotions are our emotions. And we need to recognize them. All of them. Even those that we don't necessarily want to acknowledge because we feel guilty or selfish or like we don’t have it as bad as “so and so,” or whatever other reason that creates judgement and stuffing down emotions. When we stop recognizing our emotions at face value, they find a way to manifest themselves in some other way. Whether it’s anger toward someone undeserving (dog, partner, child) or generally reacting in a way that the situation doesn’t warrant - too much sadness, fear, anger, irritation, annoyance, etc. - the emotion figures a way to get out of us.

So, try this for a moment…hold one truth in one hand, and another truth in the other and sit with the idea that both of them can be true at the same time. Turn your attention to one and notice what it feels like for you, and then turn your attention towards the other and notice what that feels like. Sit with both of them for a moment before asking yourself, “Okay, what do I need in this moment to take care of me?” A hug? A good cry? A phone call with a friend or family member? A walk? A bath? A few more moments to sit quietly? A really loud scream? Maybe the answer doesn’t come to you right away, and that’s okay, but you’re asking the question and your body will let you know if you listen.