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As we all know, social distancing has become the "new normal" for the last couple months. While it has been known to work, it has been putting stressors on people from all across the globe.
The COVID-19 coverage has been the focus in the media, and as a journalist it's important to keep updated about every pandemic lead going on.
However for journalists, there is such thing as informational overload and there are times when a journalist's mind does not slow down.
I've reported on both sad and feel good stories, but I'd be lying if I said that the stories haven't affected me on both an emotional and mental level. In an industry where reporters live the news they report on, there have been times during the pandemic where I have felt the need to let my emotions out.
In order to keep up on all of the happenings, one has to keep their mind in check and staying in the present.
How do I do that? Through mindful meditation. For the last year I've being practicing mindful meditation. Pulling from last week's Instagram post, here's what I can tell you about my experience with mindful meditation.
"My brother in law had been practicing and told me that it has greatly helped him. I used to never understand what it was all about but working through some personal anxiety issues, I figured I should at least try. I've even practiced it during many yoga classes and a year later I'm really glad I did. I've always been emotionally driven and I'm guilty of being swept up in the hustles of daily life. As time as passed I've realized that it does more harm than good to fight the emotions that are there, whatever and whenever they may be.
"Some days are better than others, but I've really learned to have better compassion and understanding for myself. Last week's session talked about creating space for our emotions and to observe them as if looking through a window. During meditation, there is no right or wrong feeling, just acknowledging it and allowing it to eventually pass. I am grateful knowing that with continued practice in mindful meditation I can separate myself from my emotions, and just simply observe. It may not be for everyone but with everything going on in our world today, I am glad to have it in my life."
It's ok to not be ok during this, these are very unknown times and I show my love and kindness to all of you. I am here for you, and we will get through this together.