Lisa Norvell, Ashland, OR
I am 54, a wife and mother of two young women, Myla age 22 and Sydney age 24.
Living through COVID has provided a much-needed sacred pause which has allowed me an opportunity to slow down, simplify and become more present to the “echoes” both around me and as a direct result of my actions in order that I can “set straight my life as quickly as possible,” and take corrective measures where necessary. (Acharya on the coronavirus.)
Personally, the biggest change has been using this time to untether from a very busy and hectic work life that has not been supportive to a yogic lifestyle or to my heart. It has been a slow go building a capacity to say, “No thank you” to my previous work and clients in order that space is created to inhabit the work I am passionate about and feel called to offer which I have begun during this pandemic. For this I am grateful.
As a family, we have relaxed into a new rhythm. Daily hikes in nature (with our very rajasic rescue dogs that we are crazy over) meals together, working from home, finding an ease of togetherness and inhabiting our days with less external demands has been nourishing. With everyone in close proximity at home, I have found myself listening more carefully to all. I have been reminded of my husband’s unique capacity of calm, patience and strength as he talks with patients in chronic pain navigate the complexity of their lives, as many have been pushed back to a non essential status as they await surgery, due to Covid.
I listen as our girls converse and share their passionate views, fears and dreams in this current tangled world of politics, economics, natural disasters, COVID-19 and social injustice. The intimacy of these conversations has provided us with a deeper understanding of one another and I recognize this as a precious gift. We have been given an extra year with our girls as one finishes up her last year of college at home, covid stripping her collegiate volleyball team of this last year and our oldest who floats in and out of Ashland from Portland, waiting to launch her career in California that was put on hold due to Covid as well.
Being someone who battles with too much doing, I am optimistic that this period of slowing down, becoming more established in my practices, moving away from a job I have outgrown, grounded deeply in my house of belonging, both internally and in my family pod will translate to a life of “calm, quiet and less strain” on this yogic path. These words spoken regularly by Acharya and Kristin are always whispering me home.
With a heart full of gratitude, but equally weighted with the seriousness of COVID-19 and its unequitable consequences all around the world, honoring the fragility of life upon us, I pray for the health and wellbeing of all.
It is with deep respect for Acharya, Kristin and to all who help make the Jivana program possible, that I offer a sincere Thank you!