By Dr. Dina Evan

“Even in the midst of this
pandemic, life can still be cherished.”

We are all tired, and when I stop to reflect, I look around and realize that nothing matters when it’s all said and done, other than we did what we came here to do, and became who we came here to be.
And though it isn’t often noticed, we do that for those we love as much as we do that for our own souls. When we are in crisis, who we are gets tested the most. And who we all are is really getting tested at the moment.
Are we going to risk the lives of those we love by thinking we know more than every health organization in the world and therefore we will refuse to do anything as simple as wearing a mask?
I believe at some point, we may all have pushed through abuse, hunger, fear, lack and not knowing. And most of the time the only reason we made it, is the unabashed kindness and love of others. Only the love and friendships that are real are worthy of being cherished. Even in the midst of this pandemic, life can still be cherished.
For instance, when I die, I will miss the trickling sound of my fountain, the laughing face of my Buddha, the silky feel of fresh sheets, the soft feel of my puppy’s under belly. I will miss caramel vanilla ice cream, peppermint ice cream and popcorn. And oh how I will miss those of you who loved me and said it or didn’t say it — but showed it in the deep silent connection that is undeniable. I will miss you when you loved me and when you did not, because you were and are all the great teachers for my soul.
Children grieve as adults what they didn’t get, but felt they were owed. Mothers grieve what they didn’t have to give and were never given. And when the grieving is all over we realize we have learned to give ourselves what we never got from those who dared to play a part in our drama, by to bearing the grief of not having those gifts in the first place. We each chose our part in each other’s lives— therefore, there is no guilt, there are only gifts.
There is nothing more important than belonging and when that irresistible invitation arrives, no matter who, no matter when, or how, reach across the chasm and bring each other home. We may be in crisis at the moment, but by just simply closing your eyes, you can feel unity with those across the planet who are united with you and fighting this situation and virus.
It’s so important at this time, to remember the beauty in the world, the precious gifts of spirit, like the sound of the ocean and of that bird outside your window. Take a minute to call, text, Facetime or write those you love to remind them of what a gift they have been on your journey here. Not being able to congregate together doesn’t mean we have to be isolated or feel alone. You can still be love and stand in love.

And finally try to remember this time is not about what anyone else is doing or not doing. Believe it or not it’s only about us.
Are we being the best of who we can be in this strenuous time?
Are we giving the best of what we have to give in this time?

Someone on my Facebook site sent the message she felt “God was sending us all to our rooms to think about what we have done.” After I cracked up laughing, I thought…. there is some truth in that. Perhaps, this is the time for each of us to decide who we are and how we will participate in lifting the consciousness on this planet both now and when this pandemic is over. Who am I and am I being who I came here to be? Why did I choose to be here during this time? Well first and foremost you are a very courageous spirit!

Dr. Evan is a Marriage, family, child therapist and consciousness counselor. She has presented nationwide seminars and workshops, written several books and created meditation CDs for couples, individual and mental health professionals. She has also won national acclaim as a human rights advocate. Visit www.drdinaevan.com or call 602 571-8228.