Surrender to Simplicity, Sunshine & Serenity

A cloud formation painted orange by sunlight.

This week consisted of the second week of our bumped-up restrictions in B.C and on Vancouver Island. The first week was restless but this week I felt a sense of surrender, filling my day with simplicity and gobbling up as much sunshine as possible. The beginning of the week was wildly windy, and in an odd way invigorating. As the week progressed, the sun brilliantly shone. I was dazzled by Mount Baker when we ventured out for walks or sat out on our balcony. The sky was filled with spiritually inspired cloud formations. It was a week that resonated joy as we all surrendered and equalized to another new adjustment of simple normal. I think we are all getting better at pivoting and adjusting.

I must say though, it is a lot easier to surrender and optimistically move forward in sunshine. It’s easier to get motivated to exercise outdoors. Even as CoVid numbers increase, it seems when it is sunny those numbers don’t seem as dire. This prompted me to look up articles on the power of sunshine on our health especially during CoVid. Take a look at the articles below. It is essential that we battle any depressing or lethargic thoughts and CHOOSE to prioritize (albeit it might be a struggle), to get outside in the sunshine, preferably engaging in some form of exercise.

In Al-Anon it is said, “Let go. Let God!”. Our world is complex. Demands and expectations are intense and tend to be very high, leaning towards perfection. Information is coming at us from all angles at warp speed, and in today’s CoVid world the news flashes are constantly appealing to our health and safety. I think we have a tendency to micromanage and complicate things in the interest of doing things thoroughly and efficiently; leave no stone unturned as the saying goes. Really? Is this necessary? Are we having fun and relaxing? Will it matter in five years from now? Are we able to be flexible and pivot? The more we plan, the more we get wrapped up in the execution, the more we are wrapped up in our goals, fear of failure and ultimately our ego’s agenda. Maybe during this pandemic, we need to defer to simplicity? Surrounding ourselves with simple, easy to digest stories (we are loving the entertainment comfort of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and limiting that which triggers anxiety and negativity. We can surrender to optimism, love and have the courage to walk in faithful surrender to our higher power (the universe/God). Mark and I keep reminding each other of just this: “Let go, let God!”

It is ironic, during this pandemic we are told to physical distance but as retirees we are probably in closer physical proximity than ever. Retirement can be scary for couples because they are spending more time together and generally worlds shrink a touch. Many of us retirees cherish our out of home activities (ie golf… kind of a work replacement), where we can carve our own space. It can be hard to surrender and stay peaceful when your partner is in your face or getting under your skin. I was asked by a younger married friend what we have done over 37 years to ride the ebb and flow of marriage. I explained it hasn’t always been easy. Compromising, cooperating and flourishing can be difficult as we battle life challenges. Perspectives change. Boundaries get adjusted. It’s reminding oneself of a piece of wisdom I heard many years ago: The happiest couples are more concerned with loving the other person rather than being loved. If both people are holding the other in love and as primary concern, then there is balance and a rooting in love. It’s hard because sometimes, our inner child just needs the attention or love more than we can give. BUT it’s about communicating and as Mark and I learned early (he taught me) it’s about ‘fighting fair’ not below the belt. It’s about forgiveness. I found the following articles which I think are great reminders for us all, especially during the pandemic, and can be applied to all close relationships not just marriage.

On that note, cheers to a wonderful week of sunshine, friendships and surrendering to serenity.

As Adriene Mishler’s (Yoga With Adriene), mom said to her, “Everything is as it should be.” Now that’s faith.