Have you let go of perfectionism recently? In light of the world crisis, I decided that it’s okay if:

• My meditation posture isn’t totally erect
• There’s a morsel of almond butter stuck to the glass jar I’m recycling (don’t yell at me!)
• I don’t know how to keep zoom bombers out of my group meetings

What I’m not letting go of is:

• Maintaining peace of mind one day at a time
• My own health and happiness (i.e. getting my oxygen mask on daily so I can be of service to others)
• Decent nutrition, self-care and exercise (see above)

What old ways have you softened up in order to maintain your equilibrium and outlook today? With so many new rules and restrictions, I hope that you are being gentle with yourself and those around you while you socially distance, wear a mask, and wipe everything down. Something’s gotta go and my vote is for perfectionism and old, hard rules that may not serve you anymore.

I’m still avoiding the news, number counts, and predictions. It’s hard enough keeping up all my practices that are life-affirming and health supporting. I’m reminded of a quote from Arthur Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha which struck me when I first read it and feels exactly right at this time. The protagonist was held in geisha servitude for most of her life and obeyed orders, carrying on with her role no matter how restrictive, demeaning and difficult. Eventually, she marries and moves from Japan to the US. “I don’t think any of us can speak frankly about pain until we are no longer enduring it.”

As I go through this isolation, I’m doing everything in my power to stay positive, productive, rested and joyful. Here’s one occasion where I recommend denial.

Please share with me what you’ve let go of and what’s working well for you in this strange era we’re facing?