Lately, if you’re out of fire range and fully in smoke range, taking a deep breath in the Pacific Northwest has been a risky proposition. Deep breathing outside has been discouraged for those at risk.
So, it’s particularly important to have clean air indoors.
In response to the ashy air, I fashioned this fancy air filter situation to a box fan. The 20×20 filters were of course sold out everywhere so I Macgyvered two 10x20s and made it work. Resourceful, nimble, pivot easily… These are the skills we need this year.
So, let’s be mindful of:
- Remaining flexible in our responses, resourceful in our remedies, and good humored in our perspectives.
- Our common humanity and those who never have healthy air to breath in their community.
- Appreciating the good Pacific NW air that will be coming again soon.
- The need for self-care SO THAT we can care for others well and live our lives more fully.
Continuing September’s invitations:
- Ground yourself by paying attention to nature: the leaves starting to change color and texture, the cooler breezes, the smell of the earth when permeated by rain (petrichor).
- Finish up those summer projects and reflect on your accomplishments. Review your summer activities. You earned lots of gold stars in 2020!
- Focus on self-care that supports a healthy cadence and rhythm in your life. (think: food, hydration, exercise, and sleep). Nourish yourself during this transition. You’ll need it.
Lisa Wellington is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher who writes about integrative practices that downshift stress, increase insight, and jumpstart joy.
She is best known for her work with law enforcement professionals as well as those challenged by housing instability and addiction. Trained in the Fine Arts at Washington State University, she specializes in group training that engages participants’ inherent creativity.
If she is not under a stack of books about psychology and spirituality, she can be found at a Puget Sound beach or nearby trail, always searching for the absurd, which is her superpower.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
