Spread the Love

We are experiencing two pandemics and both are public health crises. One is the COVID-19 global epidemic and the other is a 400-year old American epidemic of structural racism. The year 2020, highlighted the social, racial and health disparities in our communities.

Many of us have adapted to a new kind of normal, with face masks and physical distancing. Yet, many are also acknowledging the inequities that have been amplified, in part, because we can’t distract ourselves from the obvious any longer with the recent death of George Floyd by police, one among many. In response to these epidemics, thought leaders, teachers and publishers in the online realm are offering resources, online courses, and teachings for free. There is an abundance of tools once you look for them and my list is but a fraction of what is available.

While we practice emotional courage to turn toward what is difficult, horrific and uncomfortable, we must also turn toward each other and truly cultivate what is good in humankind. Be sure to check out my 21 Days of Kindness, too, for daily inspiration.

Supporting Anti-Racism Education and Efforts

COVID-19 Support

  • CPR for Mental Wellbeing: Courage, Presence and Resilience. My collection of videos on how to manage stress and cultivate resilience during disruptive times.
  • Greater Good Science Center’s Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus (UC Berkeley) is offering the best of their evidence-based tools and skills for wellbeing based on the science of happiness. They have a great podcast, too.
  • SoundsTrue.com is offering “Resilience in Challenging Times,” a care package of free digital tools and teachings from Michael Singer, Caroline Myss, Pema Pema Chödrön and others.
  • Learn how self-compassion can help you reset your stress with the founders of Mindful Self-Compassion practice. A free 3-video series with Kristin Neff & Chris Germer.
  • Learn to meditate! A 40-Day Training Program from two of the world’s most respected and gifted meditation teachers, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, can be accessed here.
  • The meditation teacher Tara Brach offers Pandemic Care Resources, a menu of recordings to soothe the soul during this global crisis with meditative “pathways to calm, clarity and openheartedness.”
  • Sanity Guide from 10% Happier. Get a free, daily “sanity break,” featuring host, Dan Harris, and some of the world’s best meditation teachers, streaming from their homes to yours (live 3pm ET, USA). (COVID19 healthcare workers get the app for free).
  • You can now tour over 2,500 World-Famous Museums from the comfort of your own home! Great to do to unwind and de-stress or as a fun family activity.
  • Cellist Yo-Yo Ma #SongsofComfort invites you to share music around the world. Use the hashtag and post on social media. See also a virtual chorus for inspiration.
  • Check out 7 Cups, www.7cups.com for those who need to talk to someone. Trained volunteer listeners are available 24/7 to give emotional support over online chat (and a service just for teens, too).
  • How to have a virtual dinner and meaningful conversations with family and friends, with a menu of questions offered by the School of Life.
  • Global Oneness Project. Check the schedule for amazing interviews with storytellers and film makers documenting the planet we live on and our inter-connectedness.
  • On Being with Krista Tippet is offering “A Listening Care Package for Uncertain Times.” A collection of podcasts and poetry for however you’re processing or experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic.

If anything, this unprecedented time is illuminating the boundless kindness of so many people. I will update the above list as more resources cross my radar and be sure to check out my blog, as I have more time to write these days! Be sure to check out the Insight Timer app as well. You can search for my and see the meditations and course I’m offering.

Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash