Dear Life West Students,
I hope this message finds you all well and safe during a spring break like no other. This global phenomenon presents a challenge for all of us, to say the least. Many people around the world have lost their lives due to the new coronavirus, COVID-19, prompting the global community to take heed. This is why it is so critical to remember it is how we respond that matters most. It is too easy to be caught up in a collective consciousness of anxiety and fear that can only exacerbate the situation, and as you well know, stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. See, I have learned a little too while being at Life West.
One thing this has reaffirmed for us is that we are not alone. You are not alone. We are all in this together. No matter how you may feel, rest assured that those of us who work at the College are solidly here for you. We may not all be physically present on campus, but we are/I am still available to help meet your needs.
I encourage you to connect with me to address and mitigate stressors you may be experiencing during this time of uncertainty, to ensure this disruption does not impinge upon your academic pursuits, and to direct you to appropriate resources if needed. You may reach me by email at lpino@lifewest.edu in order to make an appointment for a phone or video call through Google Hangouts or some other means. I look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, I invite you to consider this time as an opportunity to recharge, honor your innate, seek balance, and raise your vibration by:
- Eating with respect for your body
- Going inward, reflecting on positive thoughts
- Entering silence through meditation or stillness
- Moving your body through yoga or whatever feels right
- Connecting with nature if only through a window or an image
- Finding ways to assist others in need without compromising yourself
- Attending to your breath through alternate nostril breathing or otherwise
In closing, I would like to include a video you may or may not have seen, which I hope you will view with an open heart. I trust many of you have already embarked upon this perspective, given the beautiful and unique nature of chiropractic students I have come to know.
With love and gratitude,
Lori Pino
Academic Counselor
Life Chiropractic College West