As most of the states, if not all of them, are working through issues of opening back up – I thought it might be interesting to take a look at this from my own perspective. Both from a personal point of view, as well as the way this changes some of the approach to my daily Path. After all, its a bit apparent that the COVID-19 issue is going to be around for quite a bit of time longer.

A Touch of Background

Most folks who read this blog or know me in person are aware that I have some health issues that make me quite susceptible to the COVID virus. I am a Type-II diabetic, which compromises my immune system to a great degree. I was also stricken with Pneumonia a little over a year ago, which also brought on an aspect of kidney disease thanks to the drugs that I was administered during that illness. So, my respiratory system is still being built back up, but it will never be as strong as it was. Respiratory issues are another factor in being susceptible to the virus. My kidney failure issues add to the strain on my immune system, making that particular weakness even more glaring. And I’m not much of a spring chicken at the age of fifty-four either – though everything I have read, the virus is more susceptible to individuals about a decade older than I am. So all of this informs me to remain away from others as much as possible, as well as continue to take the precautions that were in place during Texas’ shelter-in-place mandate.

Changes in Personal Routines

I used to not give being in public a second thought. Granted, large crowds make me nervous beyond the Nine Hells, but I could traverse in public without a thought. Nowadays, I have to be a little more prepared when I go out into the public. I carry my inhaler with me wherever I go. Normally, I carried it with me when I was doing some sort of strenuous activity. Not anymore, I just cannot take the chance of being any distance beyond my physical person. I carry a mask with me wherever I am. I have a mask here on my desk, another in my truck, and two more that I have stashed in each of my to-go bags (read: backpacks). Inside the truck or the house, I do not wear the mask. However, once I step outside of the truck or even take a walk around the block – the mask goes on. I do realize that its not 100% effective at keeping droplets carrying the virus at-bay, but whatever percent it is – its certainly better than zero.

Because of my health conditions, I do try and work out as much as I can. It helps with my diabetes, and keeps my blood-flow at a somewhat healthy state. Plus, my fat ass could certainly use the sweat equity. I spend most of that time in the house – mainly in my office. I ride my Peloton bike as much as I can, and have even started incorporating some small weight-lifting into the daily regimen. I do get outside and walk around the block, and always wear a mask doing so. I don’t come into direct contact with anyone…but better to be cautious.

Changes in Spiritual Routines

In the past, I used to spend time in the morning greeting the sun, by standing in the backyard. I still get up around sunrise, but rarely do I head outside. My typical greeting comes with me standing at my west-facing window and watching the growth of the morning shadow of the house – followed by the slow shrinking of the mid-day sun. Again, I try not to be out of the house for too much. My daily routine has always been to thank the Gods for Their guidance at mid-day, and I still carry this out. In the past, I did this at my stone circle in the backyard. Since the move, I have not had the chance to get outside and rebuild the stone circle. Perhaps that’s something I might need to take the opportunity to do so. Just not right now. Instead, at mid-day, I stand before the little icon of Gaia that you see in this picture, which has found its own spot on the same smaller bookshelf in my office. In the late night, I added a period of meditation since the quarantine period. It is this time where I seek the guidance of my Gods…Tricksters They may be, but I can always find some wisdom in what They provide to me. Even if I am the butt of Their jokes from time to time. I’ve gotten quite used to the sophomoric pranks. While its not as ideal as I want it to be, much of these changes to my practice have been necessary for me.

What About You?

Have you found yourself making alterations and changes to your own Spiritual practice? Perhaps, you’ve reached a blocked point where you are not sure how to proceed with making changes. I’ll provide a piece of advice – take it or leave it as you see fit. Making changes to your Spiritual practice is similar to making changes to your daily routine. Try it. Give it a chance and do it for a short bit. See if it works. If it doesn’t, go back to the way you did it before – if you can. If you can’t go back – try something different. The worst that can happen is that you need to change it again. If you need to, give it a shot…see if it helps.

–T /|\