I’ve noticed an underlying feeling of uncertainty that moves with me as I move back into the world. I am thankful that I can re-enter the world and be around people now that I’ve been fully vaccinated. But it seems as though as soon as I get comfortable, I start questioning whether or not I’ve let my guard down too much, or maybe even not enough. Sometimes I question whether or not I just need to release anxiety and live into the joy of being back out in the world again.

From my conversations with many of you, I don’t think I’m alone in this uncertainty. We all seem to be carrying it around to some extent or another. And wherever you are with it, please know that it is perfectly ok. You may feel a whole range of emotions, perhaps in cycles, or perhaps a few at the same time. Go ahead and feel all that and be sure not to judge yourself. This is complicated, go slow and don’t overwhelm yourself or others. Carry that non-judgment forward and remember to hold others in compassion, too. The world is complex, and “re-entry” after a long period of staying relatively far apart is not going to be as simple as “safe” and “unsafe”. We’re all going to perceive safety in different ways and be in different places on the spectrum of what’s risky and what’s ok.

To add to this complexity, we have to acknowledge that we’ve all changed this past year in many ways– our physical selves, our emotional and spiritual selves. Perhaps our jobs have changed. Our relationships most certainly have. As much as we say we can’t wait to get back to “normal”, we have to recognize how different that’s going to be.

When we add all of this together– the uncertainties, the complexities, and the changes– it’s going to be important that we stay grounded in our values. We need each other. Relationships are the foundation of everything. But we risk putting them in danger. We risk them falling apart if we’re not attentive to all of the “stuff” that’s going on with us and others.

Here’s my spiritual practice idea for today: carry with you a rock. Any old rock, or maybe even something special like hematite or amethyst. Then, give it a name, like Love, Care, or Compassion. Whatever works for you. The point is that it’s there for you to wrap your hand around, reminding you to stay grounded in your highest values when you are talking to people. Let it remind you that only through love, care, and compassion can we keep our relationships– and ourselves– strong. As we move back into an even more complicated world, this is what we will need to do.

Be well. Take care of you and remember to care about others, too. It’s all connected.