Some thoughts I sent today to Congregation Beth Am – Buffalo Grove, IL.

These are times of considerable uncertainty and anxiety. I am feeling it myself; actually, that is, when I don’t ‘catch’ myself and remember to breathe and to take it easy. It is not so easy to do, I know.
I was in Costco (with the rest of the world) yesterday, lines were a block long, and it felt surreal: I could not believe what I was seeing, what I was a part of, what was…is happening: The unknown is difficult to live with. Living with uncertainty is a great challenge to the psyche, the body, and spirit.
While standing in line at Costco, feeling the anxiety set in, I heard a voice within, a familiar voice say, “It’s temporary. This, too, shall pass.” I took a deep inhale and longer exhale until I felt better, and that kind of utzy panic subsided. Now, this breathing practice doesn’t always work so quickly for me, but it did yesterday, And I was grateful for the restored calm and for getting some of my sanity back.
At this moment of uncertainty and fear of the unknown, I place my feet on the floor and take a posture of dignity, remembering that I, a child of Holiness, stand between the Heavens and Earth and am breathing. I am alive.
I trust there will be a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. I remind myself that there are specialists who are working around the clock to find one. May it be soon. I pray that we will take care of each other, that we will not feel alone, that we will reach out in the ways that we can right now and remind each other that we are loved, that we matter, and that yes, this is temporary.
May the healing of mind, body, and spirit prevail.
I am sending much love to each of you. See you online soon!

Rabbi Bellows