Page 2 - MidWeek - March 31, 2021

2 MIDWEEK MARCH 31, 2021
Quiet Your Mind And Breathe
“Peace is happiness at rest. Happiness is peace in motion.” — Yvan Amar
AWeighty Matters
During these times of the coronavirus, it is easy to feel over- whelmed by stress and fear of the unknown. By the end of the day, many of us may feel drained, but before we can replenish ourselves, we are faced with yet another day.
ccording to a recent American Psychological Association poll, 42% of Americans indicated they’ve gained “more weight than they intend-
stage 4 cancer or supporting a grieving family member who has suddenly lost a loved one, I return to my breath to regain my spiritual ground. From the “quiet mind,” problems are solved and solutions are found. And, most importantly for me, it is from this ground that I can do my work with limitless energy and an un- shakeable sense of peace.
The Rev. Thomas Hong works for Pacific Health Ministry as Chaplain at The Queen’s Medical Center – West O’ ahu campus. He is a self-described “spiritual wanderer” who finds his bliss
ed” over the past year. The average weight gain? Twen- ty-nine pounds. Ouch! And 10% admitted to gaining 50- plus pounds. Plus, 33% polled said they’ve slept less during the pandemic, and the potential for PTSD and other mental (as well as physical and emotional) disor- ders may linger long after the vaccination solution has calmed things down in the coming months.
As a hospital chaplain, I know what it feels like to run on empty; to have nothing more to give. Because of this, I have had to rely on differ- ent methods to help me bring the gift of my full presence to others.
Just over half the respondents in the APA poll said they are exercising less due to the pandemic, and 68% said they are snacking more. Gotta do something when streaming and binge-watching, I guess.
I have found a remark- able method to replenish my energies in the midst of my day, moment to moment. It is elegant in its simplicity. It is called the human breath. It has a profound effect on how we feel and how we cope.
There is great power in simply taking a breath.
of consciousness where I can connect to others with com- passion and caring, and not be depleted with these encoun- ters. With Nestor’s breathing recipe, I have achieved that. A five-second inhale, a five-sec- ond exhale through the nose; it anchors my mind to a state of calm.
We all know that added weight, combined with general fatigue, anxiety and less exercise over a prolonged period of time is a potentially toxic recipe for multiple health prob- lems. So, the question becomes just how quickly will affect- ed people “recuperate” once things get back to something like our benign (in retrospect) pre-March 2020 lifestyle?
In his groundbreaking book, Breath: The New Sci- ence of a Lost Art, investi- gative reporter James Nestor shares his extraordinary re- search. Harvard, Stanford and other research institutions
have shown the transforma- tive power of breath. It can lower stress levels and make a dramatic impact on anxiety and upset. In many cases, it can assist in lowering heart rate and normalizing blood pressure, and can reduce pain.
If you work for a large employer, there’s a chance that it offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If so, it’s worth making a call just to talk to someone, anon- ymously, without judgment. There is no shame in asking for advice, help or a connection. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength as you come to grips with what’s gripping you during this abnormal time.
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You, and everyone around you, can benefit if you’re willing to reach out. Call your health care provider or a local mental health entity to get direction and clarity. And please understand that you are most assuredly not alone. Anxiety, depression, hopelessness and helplessness — the coronavirus fallout list goes on. But there is hope and there are answers. Millions feel just like you do in this most cruel and unusual year of the pandemic, even now, with a possible end in sight (i.e., mass vaccinations).
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After reading Nestor’s book, my quest as a hospi- tal chaplain is to live in the “quiet mind.” It’s that state
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Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Lynne Johnson and Robin Stephens Rohr.
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CHASING THE LIGHT
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Lack of exercise, energy, clarity, or the resources to resolve issues can be addressed and dealt with today. Or tomorrow. There’s no need to wait any longer. Give your- self a break. No need to tough it out, especially after 13 months. The state has a crisis line, and there are other av- enues to travel down to find the relief that so many peo- ple deserve and need. Mental consternation? Coronavirus blues? Weight gain?
Eh, no wait. Gain answers. Think about it ...
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com