Livestream Meditations & Conversations with Jon Kabat-Zinn

Life has been changing at warped speed as we are entering a new world with the outbreak of Covid-19. With growing unemployment, fear of illness, homeschooling of children, virtual classrooms and work meetings, the government orders to shelter in place, life as we knew it no longer exists on many levels. The infrequent trips to the grocery store require the wait in long lines only to be followed with an eery experience of half-emptied shelves, the lingering presence of panic in the air. Taking walks or venturing outside at all in one’s neighborhood may come with an unease as you pass those unmasked or unwilling to adhere to social distancing measures. The majority of the news is toxic and unsettling, breeding confusion and fear, and creating a deep, collecting insecurity in government and the future of humanity as a whole. So often, a sense of overwhelm and grief will pervade one’s entire sense of being, hopelessness looming, even for those with a strong spiritual practice or faith.

With our eyes wide open, we are more awake than we have been in a long time. We listen for warning signs and tidbits of hope. Self-protective mechanisms may come into play whether that is stepping away from the news and social media, or stocking up on months worth of supplies. We feel out of control. And in many ways, we are.

While we feel so powerless, it is important to focus on those things we do have control over. The way we show up for people that we love, the way we practice self-care. With so many systems crumbling and antiquated societal modes of operation under scrutiny, the commitment to mindfulness is more important than ever.

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” says Kabat-Zinn. “And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.” (mindful.org)

Join Jon Kabat-Zinn for his daily weekday livestream meditations and conversations. Dig deeper into showing up and being present to witness and participate in the evolution of our world.

We would love to hear your thoughts and revelations, so we have opened comments below.