We only get through this by helping others.

We only get through this by being kind to ourselves. Even if it’s giving ourselves a deep breath, in and out, right now, through the stress. We only get through this, ironically, through community, networking, asking questions, getting advice, slowing down, being brave enough to feel it all.

Empathy will melt your stress, turning the ego’s inward view outward until, through real mindful action, you find yourself helping others, helping others, helping others.

And that brings a feeling of joy, connection, that creates blessed community.

Engage with the true joy that can only be found in compassionate action. Learn how to feel through meditation and tonglen (see Tip 7). And—if you need it—let’s all give everyone here a big (virtual) hug. Support local or online mindful businesses!

Read our favorite, fun, sweet, weird little shelter-in-place ideas, compiled with love, below. Use ’em to help you get through, take one for every day of the coming month, and share with a loved one. May they be of benefit!

Elephant’s 30-Day Guide to Surviving COVID with Care & Compassion. Take One a Day.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

2. Put Community First

2/30

From grocery care packages to color-coded window morse code for the elderly (green paper means I'm okay, red means I need something), there's kindness in this crisis. Bearing in mind the latest regulations where you are, think of one small way you can reach out (without coming too close) to a neighbor today. Or connect with Elephant's readers & writers across the world in our free online retreat.

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