Greetings!
"
P
assion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."
~ Oprah Winfrey
In normal times, when we didn't have to deal with COVID-19, school would be out, and summer would offer the opportunity to take time off from work; and maybe relax, have fun, and travel. But while some people might be getting back into the swing of things, for the elderly or those at high risk, summer will be a continuation of the previous months, where we've had to shelter in place. One thing about doing so, though, is that it has given us new ways of being with ourselves.
For example, some of us have experimented with the art of surrendering and the practice of mindfulness. If guru Ram Dass was still with us, he would remind us to "be here now." What he was referring to was engaging in a deep sense of being in the present moment, but also doing so over a longer time period. He advised us to be free of distractions that would take us away from the here and now.
A similar idea was advocated by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, whose book I've reviewed below. Remaining in the moment and having meaning in your life are ways to do so. When we have meaning in our life, we have a passion and a reason for living. One subject I often discuss in my writing classes is the importance of finding your passion on the path to healing and transformation. Some people are very clear about their passions, while others have jobs that simply put food on the table, and they're not sure what would really bring them joy.
Since many of you are staying at home, perhaps it's a good time to ponder what brings joy and meaning into your life. Consider writing about something meaningful, and perhaps it is connected to a passion of yours.
