Back in Canada – past my 14 days of quarantine, due to Corona.

While I am writing this I am 3/4 through my quarantine which is mandatory when you come into Canada from another country during Covid19 times even if you have no symptoms. Also you have to be a resident, visit family, or have a work contract or another special permit to enter Canada if you are not providing an essential service like a truck driver delivering goods. Also some of our 10 provinces and 3 territories have different regulations, some change from time to time, some have been the same since March 2020.

It may be debatable what really needs to be done, how big the dangers are, how effective wearing masks is, how negative side effects from breathing in your own carbon monoxide for many hours a day is (while travelling, shopping, and especially while working in your job), how other countries are handling travel, restrictions, recommendations, and all the differences in all these many countries of this world. How effective or preventative are different measures and are they even necessary? What do we really know about Covid19? Symptoms differ vastly and many people don’t even know they are ill but may be contagious. A topic where opinions collide, families and friendships break apart. Will this slow down when we are developing herd immunity or will it take way longer than this to get rid of people’s fears and panic. The media does not seem to help to reassure and instill trust, quite the opposite.

Either way you would hope there is a better understanding why we wash hands more frequently and hopefully by now people have realized you stay home when you don’t feel well. Not only out of self care and self love but also out of consideration for others.

What a chance to practise “love” on every level. What discoveries have we made about ourselves whether it is through a felt crisis, changed lifestyle, way too much time on your hands, time to reinvent yourself, time to slow down and reflect, time to go inward, get to know yourself, and most of all – stillness.

Most of us experienced a quieter world earlier this year, less activity, less traffic, less physical connections, more time in your day. There were no fitness studios, no hairdressers, less shopping, no gatherings, no restaurants visits, no or a lot less work, no obligations, a lot less distraction. What did we do with this time? Have we learned something about who we are and how we handle situations and challenges. Did we dare to look closer at ourselves?

Many have stepped up to help neighbours, the elderly, found a new way of mindfulness and connection. Have we used this time to grow? Did we connect with our true selves realizing we are not our head or ego but that there maybe more?

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And many sent messages of love out to the world. Hearts and gratitude everywhere.

Encouraging messages, uplifting thoughts for everyone passing by.

Love not fear. Going into love instead of its opposite, how wonderful is that?

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I had been a bit apprehensive about these 14 days of quarantine, especially because I had been so active physically for the last 2 months. My hike from Munich to Venice had also gifted me with lots of “alone time” in nature as I always hiked alone, just not on my last day. I had never felt lonely, a deep trust had developed in me knowing I was exactly where I was meant to be.

These first 14 days back in Canada gave me a chance to clean up my little but productive garden, declutter my place once again, rearrange plants and furniture, find back to practising yoga, eating healthy, catching up on sleep, and reflecting on my life. Another gift!

Corona – the crown. It’s been around in form of beer and cookies, and most likely in many other ways. How long will it stay with us, physically or mentally?

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On that note – keep practising love and gratitude!