Hi,
My name is Jordana.
One tip we've heard a lot,
Just as preventative measure,
Is to wash our hands frequently.
In all of the emails that I've been getting from every email list that I've signed up for,
They say at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
And we know it must be true if we're getting it from every email list we've signed up for,
Right?
So in all seriousness,
The virus is spread through contact with our hands,
To our nose,
To our mouth.
So disinfecting the hands,
It really is one of the best things that we can do.
So we normally wash our hands after using the toilet and before eating.
But now with the virus,
We're also washing our hands after eating,
Before using the toilet,
After entering a room,
Before shaking someone's hand,
After shaking someone's hand,
Before meeting,
After meeting.
You get the idea.
We're allowing ourselves a slice of compulsion,
If you will,
To stay safe.
And it's completely natural that in this new behavior,
You're reminded of the virus.
You're reminded of the virus every time you wash your hands,
Because that's why you're doing it.
So what I'd like to do today is to begin to change our mindset around this very common preventative measure that we're taking so that we don't associate washing our hands with fear of the virus,
But actually change it to a loving intention for our own well-being.
We're going to put this intention into the water,
Into the soap we use,
And into our hands.
So handwashing,
It's actually a ritual in many traditions.
So we can think of it like a purification.
Sometimes it's considered to wash off negative energy.
I've heard that it can wash away bad dreams.
So that's what we're going to do.
Go ahead and bring me with you over to the sink.
And we're going to turn the water on and place your hands into the water stream and get some soap and washing the hands.
And as you wash the hands,
Repeating these words,
I love you.
I care about you.
I got you.
Giving yourself a smile.
Maybe you even see yourself in the mirror and smile.
And then removing your hands from the water and drying them off with a towel.
You see,
It's just that simple.
I love you.
I care about you.
I got you.
We use handwashing as an opportunity to love ourselves more,
To express care,
And to find a way to really trust that we know what's right,
That we're doing the best we can,
And that we wash out of love,
Not fear.
So I hope you've enjoyed this practice and you can move it forward in the 10 or 20 times you may wash your hands the rest of the day to take the time to repeat the words.
And share this with someone else.
Share this with someone else who's feeling anxiety and let them know the mantra.
I love you.
I care about you.
I got you.
Thanks for practicing with me.
And until next time,
Be well.
