ARTICLES & BLOG

Shaileen Shah 10/02/2021 Shaileen Shah 10/02/2021

A NEW HOPE? OR NO HOPE?

Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.

The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.

Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.

The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.

**Everything is F*cked : A book about Hope**

Sometimes it feels like the title of this book. This is a book I recently got hold of, still to be read but looks interesting and the author’s previous book I have seen mentioned.

““Why should I fear death? If I am, then death is not. If Death is, then I am not. Why should I fear that which can only exist when I do not?””

— Epicurus

Wonderful Positive News about HelpVeerNow

Veer is a 4 year old boy, son of our friends and from the communities we are part of. He has low blood counts and desperately needs a stem cell donor. The family have set up HelpVeerNow to raise awareness and help campaign to get more people on the the donor lists so they can find a match for Veer and also help others in the same situation to find a match. The numbers of people registered to be a donor is very low especially in BAME. To find a match is like finding a needle in a haystack. It needn’t be. If everyone, including you and people you know registered then there would be plenty of needles to be easily found.

The wonderful news is that three 90% matches have been found. A few months ago there weren’t and the family had been told that Veer had months instead of years to find a transplant donor as his counts had dropped.

You can listen to the family’s journey on the BBC World Service recording. It is very powerful, positive, uplifting and funny with the mention of a stem cell donut! and Veer going out to look for his superhero donor. What comes through the the emotional and mental struggles, them leaning into their Jain faith and keeping focused on the positive. Even with Veer having a match, the campaigning continues as many more people needed on the registers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1fq8

I am privileged to say the family are part of the Happy Life Habits Community, attended workshops and training courses. In May 2020 when a Veer’s Virtual Extravaganza was held, Happy Life Habits was honoured to serve in opening the Extravaganza with a Happiness and Gratitude workshop.

Resource: Coping in a Crisis

Hansa Pankhania a new acquaintance is an author, coach and consultant who will be in a future series of the Inspiration Point Podcast. She has written a variety of books on Stress, Crisis as well as stories. Her most recent is title Coping in a Crisis and covers coping with loss, financial loss, grief, relationship and including coping strategies. The book is free to download from www.aumconsultancy.co.uk.

Hansa has been inspired by Deepak Chopra’s WellBeing Centre - more in future Inspiration Point Podcast .

JVB London: The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra

Recently I was able to attend a zoom meeting with the world reknowned Deepak Chopra. It was organised by JVB London and titled The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra. The recording is here and well worth listening to. It resonated on some many levels for me and I loved watching it.

Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course

Gratitude has been shown to increase the chances of psychologically surviving hard times. In the HLH Gratitude Workshops I share that gratitude helps :

Us feel less deflated
Gives Hope
Helps Heal

It certainly has done this for me through life’s various challenges and has helped over 50 people who have taken the 30 day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. It is a pro-social behaviour making use feel more connected.

I’ll share a recent testimonial:

“I’ve just completed the Happiness and Gratitude training programme that Shaileen hosted.
We all ‘know’ what to do and how to ‘be’ happy, positive and grateful but it’s not always something that’s at the forefront of our minds when we are in the day to day of our lives. I booked on this course back in November as something to look forward to for the start of the year.

Alongside Shaileens’ great questions and coaching support, there was a daily journal to complete.

The whole programme was really, really good. My mindset has grown stronger as a result of the course and for anyone who wants some MH (Mental Health) support, to be able to see the ‘wood for the trees’ or like me, just wants to spend a bit of time focussing on the ‘haves’ vs the ‘have nots’ - this is for you.

I highly recommend it to you and to anyone who supports MH in the workplace. It’s fabulous.”

If you want to know more, sign up or join waiting list go to https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/habit-immersion

Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2

We reach half way through series 2 with 2 fantastic episodes completed and the 3rd due in a few hours as I write. The sessions I have found and feedback received as being unique, inspiring, positive, uplifting and an hour well spent. Episode 5 is about my cousin Dr Ajay Shah who is the older brother of episode 3 Niraj Shah. Earlier we shared Veer was looking for a super hero to be his stem cell donor. Episode 5 is Dr Ajay Shah - Super Hero Doctor. In recent ITV news about the Covid19 vaccination programme, Ajay has been caught in action.

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-02-05/all-uk-adults-over-50-should-receive-covid-vaccine-by-may-government-says

Past recordings you can find at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and if you would like or know one who may be great to take part in a future episode please fill out the simple form at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point-form.

Happy life habits connected conversations

I have recently had wonderful conversations related to Happy Life Habits projects. One was with a friend, HLH community member and course graduate. They asked what is the difference between motivation and inspiration. I had a good think, some ideas, did research and confirmed my thoughts plus additional concepts. We had a great conversation sharing and deepening each of our understanding. I’ll share at a later date the ideas shared. That conversation, the HLH Book Club plus writings on connection, relationships, isolation shared over the last year help give more traction to the idea of Connected Conversations.

To help foster connection, reduce sense of isolation and pro-social behaviour plus its benefits we have a new initiative we are exploring: Connected Conversations. It is not a workshop, it is not a talk. It’s a conversation.

30-60 mins - join on time, leave at anytime
1:1 and 1:many conversations
Move to different conversation groups at will
Using wonder.me platform
Discuss, share, express, explore, listen, connect

Theme: Relationships and Connection

Date & Time: Sunday 14th Feb 10:30am -11:30am

Where: Wonder.me

Link: https://www.wonder.me/HappyLifeHabits

Here are some links to previous articles and workshop recordings from 2020 on Happier Relationships that I am quite proud of and people have found useful. https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2020/2/6/happier-relationships

A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.

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

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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.

Shaileen Shah 24/12/2020 Shaileen Shah 24/12/2020

Live, Love, Learn & Legacy

Twas the night before Christmas …

What a year 2020 has been - no understatement there. I have had highs and highers. The year started with a lovely party celebrating the 40th Birthdays of 2 of our friends. It is ending with us grieving the sudden and quick loss of my dad. What starts must end. Where there is life, there is death. How we live, spend our time, energy and attention between life and death determines our life. In most cases we do not know if we will die today, tomorrow, next week or years from now - therefore life and time is precious.

Twas the night before Christmas …

Two weeks today he went into hospital with an infection that we thought would be treated by antibiotics over a few days. As the day progressed the news worsened to the point we were told he is critical and not sure if he will make it through the night. Next day 3 of us are able to visit him in Intensive Treatment Unit where he is on last stages. Within 40 mins after we have left hospital I take the call to be told he has passed away - this is 36 hours after being admitted to hospital.

Have experienced the whole gamut of emotions and 5 stages of grief. What has helped is looking back at the articles and resources I have previously shared about dealing with grief and death. The support of family, friends and community has helped provide solace as we shared prayers, memories and his qualities. We focused on not what we lost but on what we had and celebrated his life and character. I share some of the funeral service speeches and poems below.

Lalji Shah - Rest In Eternal Peace (11 Dec 2020)

Lessons to Live, Love, Learn and Legacy

Where there is grief there is love
Life and time are the two best teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of time and time teaches us the value of life.
Soul has moved on in its journey, lessons shared
Lesson for Life and Love
- How to treat people both young and old - time, attention, get know and feel special
- Hospitable, friendly, warm, welcoming smile
- sharing/generosity - time, advice
- Commitment, dedication, patience - married for 57 years
- Integrity, doing things right, finding a way
- Loving, caring, kind and helpful
- Service focused - working since aged 15 for 45 years and almost 25 years of those at John Lewis Partnership, Oxford Street
- Resilience, persistence
- Learning/growth mindset - adapting, learning, giving things a go
- Zest for life, positive encouragement
Reminded and understand that his Soul has moved on in its spiritual journey
Life is not measured in years but in moments of happiness, kindness and consciousness
Created and shared many moments of happiness
Take a moment of silence to say prayer - 3 Navkars, remember his warm infectious smile
May the Soul of Lalji Raichand Mepa Shah Rest in External Peace
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Thank you from the families

He Is Gone David Hawkins

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on

Farewell My Friends by Rabindranath Tagore

Farewell My Friends

It was beautiful

As long as it lasted

The journey of my life.

I have no regrets

Whatsoever said

The pain I’ll leave behind.

Those dear hearts

Who love and care...

And the strings pulling

At the heart and soul...

The strong arms

That held me up

When my own strength

Let me down.

At the turning of my life

I came across

Good friends,

Friends who stood by me

Even when time raced me by.

Farewell, farewell My friends

I smile and

Bid you goodbye.

No, shed no tears

For I need them not
All I need is your smile.

If you feel sad

Do think of me

For that’s what I’ll like

When you live in the hearts

Of those you love

Remember then

You never die.

No Ordinary Human

Dear God,

How can someone be so giving?

Asking for nothing in return but your happiness. I guess you gave us, no ordinary human.

How can someone make you feel so comfortable? Where a moment in his space has a profound effect on yours.

I guess you gave us, no ordinary human.

When in his presence you forgot the worlds pressures And we laughed out loud like children.

I guess you gave, us no ordinary human.

When I can see his quality in the eyes of his children, so full of kindness & joy.

I guess you gave, us no ordinary human.

So God, I ask one favour, take good care of this soul. As I can definitely confirm.

You lent us for a while, an extraordinary human.

Tony Herbert 14th December 2020

Written by a friend of the family after a prayer and memory sharing zoom meeting

Looking forward to serving you in 2021

A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.

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

Happy Life Habit Events

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Shaileen Shah 05/06/2020 Shaileen Shah 05/06/2020

LOCK DOWN LAB: LIFE BY DESIGN - YOU THE ARCHITECT

This and the few related articles are about the golden opportunity we have for learning, change growth, development and transformation. Moving from a caterpillar to being in a cocoon to become a butterfly. They blend ideas and snippets on needs, mindsets, zones and actions from Stephen Covey, Tony Robbins, Abraham Maslow, Carol Dweck, Nelson Mandela, Robin Sharma, Forrest Gump and a few others.

This one looks at the idea of a Lockdown Lab and moving from a zone of fear to learning to growth and to contribution.

IT TAKES 21 DAYS TO CREATE A HABIT,
90 DAYS TO CREATE A LIFESTYLE

LOCKDOWN LAB

Many of us have we have already had 21 days of lock down and another few weeks are in progress and there could be many more weeks. This is a golden opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and grow. This is the cocoon phase of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. An incubation/transformation period. We have an explorative lab where we are both the subject of that lab as well as the experimenter. We are both the architect and the product of the design. We can come out at the other end, when ever that will be, as a better, improved, more resilience, capable, productive, effective, compassionate version of ourselves or we can choose to maintain the status quo and stay as just it. We can choose to improve areas of our physical, mental, social/emotional and spiritual dimensions. This great little video by Jean-Pierre De Villers (JPDV) is about Being Like Nelson Mandela shares how Nelson Mandela was in prison for 27 years (we are in lock down for a few weeks or months, hopefully not years!). He shares

“I wasn’t in prison, I was preparing” - Nelson Mandela

What can you prepare for during the time in lock down? JPDV also shares a focus on Contribution Vs Consumption and about showing up in love, gratitude and service.

The graphic shows some of the potential zones we can operate from and spend time in during a crisis/challenge such as COVID-19. As I was writing about comfort zones I found some more graphics which this one is based upon and adapted from where the far left circle “Who do I want to be during COVID-19” actually says “Comfort Zone”.

We can choose to be in the fear zone and express the behaviours that are fed by fear including complaining and victim mode. This is a very reactive zone. We all probably spent some time in that zone when the pandemic broke out where we were. How long we spend there is our choice and some will spend most of the pandemic time / lock down period there while others will choose to transition to the learning zone. In the learning zone we observe, reflect, think contemplate, seek reliable information and make choices on how we want to respond. In continuing to do this we step into the growth zone where we have expanded our knowledge, skills, attitude, capabilities and impact. We have expanded our comfort zone, we have made it grow. The learning and growth zones are where we are choosing our response. We are becoming more. Personally, I would split the growth zone and move some of the items from there to the zone of contribution/service.

I don’t have any medical qualifications, not even a scouts badge for first aid (might be to do with the fact I never went to the scouts!) or any training in neuroscience. However, how the brain works, the potential we have and how we learn has fascinated me for a long time hence my interest in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), accelerated learning, habits, emotions, behaviour, psychology and such like areas. Here I share what I have understood, caveat, it may not be medically accurate! What I have understood is that the theory about different parts of the brain have different functions. Brain functions are complex and some of the models describe that we have the left (logic, reasoning, intelligence etc) and right (creative, emotion, intuition etc) sides as well as another model about the 3 brains: (1) The Reptilian (housekeeping) , (2) Mammalian/Limbic (Emotion) and (3) the NeoCortex (thinking/reasoning). The Amygdala, a part of the brain in the Limbic brain has a key role in fear response, our survival mechanism / threat /stress system to instigate our fight, flight or freeze response to a situation. It sends a distress signal to the hypthalamus in a chain of reactions that result in the release of hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These are part of our stress response. What happens is that anything such as a loud noise, an unfamiliar object or situation can activate the threat system and release these stress hormones getting us ready at a perceived threat which may not actually be a threat. We keep doing this and not dissipate the stress chemicals we will suffer prolonged stress and all associated with it such as anxiety, worry, sleep disorder, food disorder, chronic pain, depression, lack of connectivity etc. What we want to do is learn practices that help shift control to the neocortex the thinking /reasoning brain to actually assess and decide if it is a real threat. If it is a threat the neocortex can give control to the limbic brain and the Amygdala and let them do their stuff. If it is not a real immediate threat no need to be anxious, fearful or releasing the stress hormones. Instead it can focus on a response as opposed to a reaction.

With learning and practices such as mindfulness, meditation, gratitude and such what we are doing is move control to the neocortex to choose a response. We are moving from the Fear Zone to Learning, Growth and Contribution Zones. In short we are using the higher capacities of the evolved brain. Moving from reflex reaction to choosing response. Taking more control of our circumstances as opposed to the circumstances controlling us.

Robin Sharma in Winning in Hard Times shares lots of great ideas for both personal and business. He shares:

Heroes are built in times of storm
The old must fall away for something better to be created
Enjoy the world but don’t be of the world

He cites that Churchill became Churchill, Nelson Mandela become Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks become Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King become Martin Luther King and Gandhi became Gandhi when they dealt with and overcame an adversity or challenge. That challenge gave them the opportunity to grow and become who they became. They did not act as victims but instead saw opportunity. The Lock Down is an opportunity, it is a reset a reboot. Focus on developing character, skills, qualities and habits. It is the Quadrant II (QII) area of Habit 3 First Things First from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The stuff that is important but not urgent; what we often struggle to create time to do as we are so busy on urgent (but maybe not important things); the QII space for reflection, planning, values review and asking and contemplating the big questions.

"Unlike your fingerprints that you are born with and can’t change, character is something that you create within yourself and must take responsibility for changing." - Jim Rohn

“Making space for growth.

I was sitting on my balcony one recent morning, enjoying a cup of tea, when I looked over at our jasmine plant and realized that it hadn’t yet flowered this season.

The leaves had been reddish brown since the winter, but they hadn’t fallen. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but something felt off. So last week I decided to prune the plant, carefully removing all the non-green leaves.

The next day I came outside and there were already a dozen new sprouting leaves. The day after that, I glimpsed a handful of teeny-tiny flower buds.

This whole time I was waiting for the jasmine plant to flower, I was wondering what more it needed — more fertilizer, more water, or perhaps more sun. Turns out, the only thing holding it back from growing was its past self.

It made me wonder — how much of our growth relies on first trimming what no longer serves us?

What do we need to release so that we can flourish in the next season?

What if we were to prune all the preconceived notions of who we are?

All the regrets of the past and the anxieties about the future.

All the outside influences telling us who we should be.

The pride, the ego, the baggage — snipping and letting these things fall away.

What new season of life can we step into after we make space for our own growth?”

— Dave Radparvar Co-Founder, Holstee

WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE TO DESIGN & CREATE?

RESOURCES

Great article by Greater Good Science Centre on daily checklist questions to ask yourself during quarantine. The questions we ask help us focus, and decisions determine our destiny.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_daily_questions_to_ask_yourself_in_quarantine

Yale Happiness Course

How To Not Go Crazy Under Quarantine Charles Duhigg Podcast (The Power of Habit).

A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.

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

Happy Life Habit Events

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group

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Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group

Shaileen Shah 03/04/2020 Shaileen Shah 03/04/2020

SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL, THINK NO EVIL, FORWARD NO EVIL!

SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL, THINK NO EVIL, FORWARD NO EVIL

You have to forward this article straight after reading it because it passes The Socrates Triple Filter Test.

I know what I am talking about, I have a PhD in Coronavirus from WhatsApp University!

There is a deluge of information being shared that is adding to the feeling of uncertainty and fear and causing us distraction. This article highlights some of the negative aspects of this and also shares the Socrates Triple Filter Test and a wonderful Prince EA video.

“Wise men speak because they have something to say;
Fools because they have to say something. ”

— Plato

You have to forward this article straight after reading it because it passes The Socrates Triple Filter Test.

I know what I am talking about, I have a PhD in Coronavirus from WhatsApp University!

I am sure like me you have had many emails and messages from well meaning folk that have covered different aspects of the pandemic. Ideas such as :

(1) Conspiracy theories: it was started in a Lab in Wuhan, it was the Russians, CIA, Pharma company and so forth

(2) Catching it: you can’t catch it if you are young, you are only at risk if you have a underlying health condition, it does not travel through air etc

(3) Cures : drinking cow’s urine, having hot drinks, having ginger, zinc, vitamin C etc

(4) Reliable sources (friend of a friend) saying that the army is being mobilised, that a mask is essential, that someone working in the front line said …

Many of these are adding fuel to the fire of fear.

Watch this Price EA video before continuing further

I am following only a handful of steps, mainly the government advice

Washing hands thoroughly especially after going out
Staying Home as much as possible
Social Distancing (2 m) if I do go outside
Social Isolation if developing any symptoms

In addition to that I am:

Checking in on friends and family, staying connected
Reducing consumption of news and zapping emails/messages without reading if they seem to relate to the ideas shared above and not from a reliable source
Keeping up with my habits and routines that support me and keep me happy
Being more mindful and aware of what I am thinking, feeling, saying and doing

started with the motto
“Don’t be evil”
which has now been changed to
“do the right thing”

In the first Young Jains online event, Enriching Conversations, one person shared about how they had received many messages and had forwarded some before becoming more mindful and considering that they are accountable for what they send on to others and the impact it could have on others. This was a lovely insight. I would go further to say actually it is two fold: (1) We are accountable to what we share, say and send on (communicate); (2) We are also accountable what we choose to consume, read/listen to and dwell upon.

SOCRATES TRIPLE FILTER TEST

We could apply The Socrates Triple Filter Test on both sending/forwarding and on receiving/consuming.

Socrates the wise Greek philosopher (one of the people who told us to “Know ThySelf” ) was one day approached by student who was in a agitated, rushed state. The student was eager to share some gossip about a friend they both knew. Socrates told him to calm down and that what he wanted to share had to pass the triple filter test before Socrates would listen to it. The first filter he explained was TRUTH.

“Are you absolutely sure that what you are going to tell me is true?”

The student shook his head and admitted he did not know if it was true.

Socrates said “You don’t know for certain if it is true. The second filter is GOODNESS, is what you are going to tell me good or kind?”

The student again shook his head no and said it was not good, it was the exact opposite.

Socrates said “You are going to tell me something bad about our friend, yet you do not know for certain if it is true. Let’s see if it passes the final filter if USEFULNESS. Is what you are going to tell me useful or necessary?”.

The student shook his head no.

Socrates said “If what you are going to say is neither true, good or useful, don’t say it at all. Why would I want to hear it?”

In the same way we can apply the triple filter test before we speak or forward a message by considering: Is it True? Is is Good or Kind? Is it Useful or Necessary?

STIMULUS AND RESPONSE

I am currently reading The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey. It’s a book that I have had for over 15 years (as you know I am a Covey and Habits fan), but had not been able to get traction into this books till now. In the next article that I have started writing I’ll share more insights from that book as they resonate with the theme.

Just as I was publishing this article I received a graphic from a friend, it was True, Good and Useful so passed the Socrates Triple Filter Test. It is a lovely, useful graphic and captures aspects of recent posts as well as is core to a future one.

It may be titled “The Opportunity: Breaking Bad Habits” or Do we operate from a centre of Fear or Love? or “Fear or Love? You Choose” or maybe something else.We’ll have to wait and see what develops.

If you are going to send me something (1) Check it passes the Socrates Triple Filter Test (2) Make sure it is positive, kind, uplifting or funny.

There are various FaceBook groups include StoriesOfHope that meet this criteria.

We are all having more mindful moments and raised awareness in our day to day. Be that in washing our hands diligently, keeping a 2 metre distance when out and about, being better aware of what we consume in our diets and our minds and also how we use things. For example we used to use 2 or 3 sheets of newspaper to hold rubbish when chopping fruit or vegetables. Now only 1 is required (as scarce resource and also 1 is enough).

My vegan friend, Heena Modi of PlantShift has written a great article about “Spiritual Learnings realised because of the coronavirus”. She explores themes of Ego, Accountability, Judgement amongst others. Worth taking a read.

Continuing with Free Online Happiness Booster sessions, during the week starting 6th April 2020 the focus is on the Power of Gratitude. Will share some science and practice. See events page of more details.

RESOURCES

Spiritual Learnings realised because of the coronavirus By Heena Modi

TED Talk: 10 Ways to have better conversations Celeste Headlee

Positive Stories from around the World karunavirus.org from Service Space

A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) While doing (1) if you would be interested in free 30 min video conference calls for Happiness Boosters - connection and sharing, during these times let me know if morning, afternoon or evening preference and weekday and/or weekend. I will endeavour to serve.

(4) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

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

Happy Life Habit Events

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page

Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaileen Shah 18/03/2020 Shaileen Shah 18/03/2020

TOGETHER IN ISOLATION

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 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?

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.”

Together in Isolation - I replaced with We - illness becomes Wellness

“In the future the history that will be written & remembered will be about how we thought, spoke & acted in the present through this crisis.”

— Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits

Next bit

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 Universal Constant is Change”

— Unknown

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.

“The coronavirus is apolitical. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. There is an opportunity here to transcend the individualism that has led to an atomized and polarized society. In our collective hands, we have tremendous power to stop the spread of this pathogen and forge a new story of connection instead of separation.

If we can get through this together, it may bring us together.

Mantra: Stay Centred, Follow the Science, Don’t succumb to Fear, Spread Information not the Virus
”

— Jeff Krasno, Commune CEO & Co-Founder

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.

Received via WhatsApp - Transport for London Quote

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?

“What is an objective, universally acceptable definition of good and evil?

„In order to know about any act or intention or consequence, we must first ask two questions. One, what would happen if everyone did this thing? Two, would this help or hinder the movement toward complexity?” – Khaderbhai

(Complexity meaning God)

What I found more relevant in everyday life: there are no good or bad people. There are only “good deeds” and “bad deeds” and the sum of those deeds – the actions we perform – are what make us into someone good or bad”

— Gregory David Edwards - Shantaram

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!!!

“Stay centred, be compassionate, be in touch with people around you”

— Rita Shah, Head Teacher of Shree Chandana Vidhya Peeth School

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

“Three Thoughts for these times

*Universal Friendship • Truth • Inner Peace*

*Universal Friendship*
Awareness of the timeless idea that all living beings are equal to us and capable of the same spiritual heights generates the attitude of universal friendship. This compels us to care for all, to be considerate, to avoid selfish behaviour. As we live through these times, let’s ground ourselves in this ideal, knows as Maitri, Miti, or Metta. Let’s serve the vulnerable in our communities. Let’s be considerate when shopping. Let’s be loving and kind despite any fear or pain, wishing that all are well, happy and wise, in these times and at alk times.

*Truth*
Truth must be kind, otherwise it fails a deeper test. Today we are seeking to blame and judge. We lazily let our prejudices rise up and unwillingly spread hate, such as language which blames the Chinese or the Meat eaters. If there is an action to blame, let us become awake and aware, but let’s also practice kindness and hygiene in our thoughts and words. Many are using the opportunity to speak of the superiority of Hindu, Jain or Vegan lifestyles. Let’s celebrate the nobility, yes, but let’s keep away the unkindness, superiority, judgement and othering of souls who are on journeys just as we are.

Truth must also be discriminating and judicious. With modern social media, we are often sharing hoaxes or untested ideas about the Corona Virus, Covid 19. We are also unwittingly sharing unkind messages of judgement and othering. How can we separate and divide ourselves from souls just like us?

*Inner Peace*
Within us, innately, we are peace, bliss and love. Let’s connect within so we can face the challenges of today with fortitude, equanimity, truth and universal friendship. Self-care is also very important. Our daily spiritual practice will ensure we remain maintain inner balance, and manifest virtues grounded in deep truths which ensure we live in harmony with all other souls.
”

— Ashik Shah, Fund Manager, Young Jains Non-Executive Volunteer

“I wasn’t planning on sending this email.

In fact, I wasn’t planning on writing anything about the coronavirus. The truth is, I am finding it hard to focus on anything in this present moment.

The uncertainty has me unsettled.

The present is constantly overshadowed by thoughts of the future. What if my friends or family get the virus? What if our city goes into full lockdown mode? How is the world going to recover?

Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to my journal and reflected on past moments of uncertainty.

I started making a list of things to remember, things that could ground me, bring perspective and return me to the present.

I wanted to send these to you in an email in case there is something in here that resonates with you — but also because I’d love to hear how you are coping.

Here are a few items from the list:

Meditation. Impermanence, or anicca as it is called in the Buddhist tradition, is the idea that things are constantly changing. And that we can observe that change without becoming consumed by it. A core concept behind Vipassana meditation and mindfulness is to experience the feeling of anicca in your own body by becoming aware of your bodily sensations without reacting to them with desire or aversion. Practicing this during meditation helps prepare us so that when we are met with unexpected sensations or experiences in our everyday lives, we are better prepared to experience them with a healthy level of perspective and equanimity. I have been returning to meditation regularly these past few weeks to help recenter me.

Practice gratitude. This may sound counter-intuitive when it seems like there’s more to be scared, angry or anxious about. But I come back to these words from Brother David Steindl-Rast: “I didn’t say we can be grateful for everything. I said we can be grateful in every given moment…” It is not that we need to be grateful for the virus or the school closings or the delayed travel plans. But every single moment has something that we can give thanks for, if we open ourselves up to it. Our breath — which reminds us that we have the opportunity to be here and be present — is a perfect example.

Journaling. Just writing things down does wonders to help me sort through and get to the bottom of how I am actually feeling. This email is a perfect example. It started with a rant answering the seemingly simple question I am prompted with every time I open my journaling app: “Hey Dave, how are you feeling today?” Getting these thoughts out of my head and onto the page is a way of acknowledging the thoughts that are racing around my head. And as I acknowledge the thoughts, I notice that they begin to quiet.

Support each other. In difficult times, it’s easy to think we are alone, especially with the currently prescribed “social distancing”. Reach out to those you care about — but instead of just trading fears and anxieties, try bringing a positive element to the conversation. Let your loved ones know you are thinking about them and tell them something you appreciate about them. Spreading the love is a great way to feel the love. Support others and you will feel supported.
”

— Dave Radparvar Co-Founder, Holstee

“Finances
People are worried about their finances - especially because they may be forced to take unpaid leave, go into voluntary isolation, quarantine. People’s financial position varies significantly. Everyone has been impacted financially, whether this is your pension value reduced by 20 - 30%, income reduced, etc. There is no one size fits all approach but any number of the following steps may help you towards staving off anxiety:
(1) Work out monthly expenditure and identify areas where you can reduce your expenses.
(2) Look at your savings so you can plan for expenditure if income is compromised
(3) If you have credit card debt, contact the lender to ask for a payment holiday with interest frozen
(4) If you need extra money in the short term ask your bank to increase your overdraft limit and reduce charges
(5) If you will struggle with your mortgage due to loss of income talk to your lender. The key thing is not to worry about things, reach out for support and advice. You are not alone.”

— Priti Shah, Regional Director, LightSide Financial - Debt Solutions

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

“Cultivating an Inner Resource - Meditation

Creating a safe space within you where you feel a sense of ease, well-being, resiliency, wholeness, balance, peace, groundedness…

It’s a felt sense within your body that may be evoked by a memory of a person, place or thing or something that you have imagined or a visualisation. Maybe a place in nature, a sacred object, sounds, activities etc. It doesn’t matter what it is, just choose something that brings you a sense of peace, security and well-being.

As you form your Inner Resource, reflect on people, animals, objects and phrases that help you embed and recall in your mind your Inner Resource. Conjure up sounds, taste, smells and other qualities that help you to access your inner resource.

Take time to embody your Inner Resource throughout the day. It builds your capacity to welcome every experience as a flow of changing movements within your unchanging Being. It enables you to experience a sense of well-being no matter your circumstance.
”

— Mita Shah, Yoga Teacher and Awakin Circle Host, www.mitashah.com/meditation

“1. Be mindful of all your feelings – I think it is important not to suppress or deny your feelings, and its equally important to remember that feelings aren’t facts. Make friends with your feelings and then decide which ones to act on and how you want to act on them

2. Keep a sense of humour – there is always lots to laugh about, and finding the comedic in what is going on is often one of the most powerful ways to lift your spirits and actually stay well. Laughter can be the best medicine

3. Stay in the here and now – right now you are probably fine and most likely will be. Simply deal with what is in front of you in this moment and try not to be too anxious for the future that may not happen

4. Follow the practical advice – don’t take unnecessary risks and also recognise reality of the limits to your ability to protect yourself. Accept that there are many things you simply cannot control”

— Nick Williams, offering thought leader on Inspired Leadership and author of 18 books. www.iamnickwilliams.com

“1) you can reduce the risk, you can’t remove it

2) you being in fear will help no one because you will make bad, irrational decisions from your fear

3) look after yourself, look after others, keep your compassion and humanity”

— Sanjay Shah, Emotional Intelligence Speaker, Coach, Trainer, www.sanjayshah.tv

“ Anitya (everything other than the soul is temporary)
and asuchi ( the body is a host to many diseases, etc)
and maitri (universal friendship towards the virus as it is also a soul, just like us)

Contemplations on bhavnas (reflections on reality)”

— Jigna Deepesh Shah - Young Jains Magazine Editor

“How to reduce fear, anxiety and paranoia over the CV

There are two simple things I’d like to share.

1. Fear weakens the immune system

2. Love and happiness boosts it.

So how can you find your way from Fear to Love?

And find your way back to feeling balanced and calm.

One of the things that works well for me and my clients is to stimulate two acupressure points at the same time as taking deep calming breaths.

Take the first two fingers of one hand and press them firmly in between your eyebrows.

At the same time take the first two fingers of the other hand and press firmly in the middle of your chest.

And then breathe.

Take some deep calming breaths and feel yourself start to relax.

From this place of relaxation tune into your inner wisdom to make wise judgements from peace and calm and not from fear.

Feel into the truth of what is being said.
”

— Jane Jackson, Soul Coach and Emotional Healer, https://www.facebook.com/JaneJacksonTheHeartofHealing

“Given I’ve chosen to self-isolate I am focusing on self-care practices:

Allow myself to sleep lots

Stay connected to good friends

Challenge myself neither to judge others behaviours nor fall into the herd mindset”

— Ravi Khanna, Executive Coach

“ It is perfectly normal to feel anxious at this time. Try making inner space to allow the feeling to come and and go, with as much love and compassion and acceptance you can. And holding that feeling, focus on taking meaningful action that can support you and others at this time. Compassion for all, including yourself, is very much called for at this time. We are all in this together.”

— Shamash Alidina, Co-Founder of The Museum Of Happiness and Mindfulness Teacher, www.teachmindfulnessonline.com

“It has been an interesting to observe the processing of this inner landscape over these past couple of weeks . Feelings of helplessness, fear, perplexity, anxiousness and more. Most interesting has been how these emotions arrive and pass. For many years now, I stopped reading /listening to news.. in any format... whatever needs to get known will come my way, was the philosophy. Naturally, the enormity of these changing tunes has drawn me, almost involuntarily , into the news stream, and i have quickly realised the inward psychological effect this was having. One can certainly not live in ignorance during these times, but I’m trying hard, to limit reading every message, article, story. Instead, am Being selective in what I absorb and reading the main news on BBC/Sky at the beginning and evening of every day. This has enormously been supportive in maintaining a balanced calm response to all that is unfolding.
Staying positive isn’t easy, yet, I’ve found the numerous stories of love and kindness taking place across the globe has been deeply reassuring and healing. It restores the faith in humanity and that we are whole as one. Of course, on a day to day practical level when we see people hoarding and accumulating for their own greed, I need to dig deep and let go of judgement , instead keep my heart open to hold compassion for their fear of scarcity. My responsibility remains in taking full responsibility for my own actions.
This leads on to the other practice, of actively praying and seeking forgiveness from Mother Earth, for myself and on behalf of others, for failing to respect everything she’s offered. The biggest learning has been how this is a powerful reminder for us as humans to be humble and to hold humility. For us to remember we are one and are not superior to each other or as a species. Ultimately I see this Pandemic as Nature’s way to remind us of this and bring rebalance.”

— Ani Devlia - Service focused volunteer , Awakin Circle Host

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.