The Daily Q: Lesson from Karma

Staying in the moment — calmly and with connection.

Excellent reminder for all of us. But not easy these days — is it?

As you may have guessed, I think we are having puppies.

Maybe.

We cannot confirm with ultrasound — yet — because of restrictions on essential services at the vet clinic.

Knowing for sure feels essential to me! But it isn’t, and so we have to resort to other methods of trying to know.

Measuring.

The Magic Eight Ball.

Observation.

For example, these two are normally the same size.

Hmmmm…

Uncertainties abound. I just keep reminding myself to stay chill and in this moment.

It is easier when you are a cat.

The Daily Q: An Answer

Asking questions is not actually as easy and straight-forward as it would seem but Sparkle and I finally got the question sorted out…

We posed said question to the Pandemic Canine Pregnancy Test…

…ignoring any labeled disclaimers about validity, accuracy, reliability, and so on. Who needs all that negativity shit in their life right now?! Not me!

We gave it a few good shakes and waited for the answer…

There you go. Now you know as much as I do.

The Daily Q: Uncertainty

I am teaching — remotely — three different courses. I check in with my students regularly, both because I care and because I want to model the importance of tending to self and others when a crisis strikes.

A theme I identified in student check-in responses yesterday was the difficulty associated with uncertainty. Because remote education landed on all of us without a lot of notice or planning, the transition has not been 100% smooth. Totally understandable — even as we are all doing our best.

Students are confused about when classes are ending, when summer session starts, what fees are mandated, how the new grading option works, and so on. I made a list, clarified and validated concerns, and wrote an email to the Provost sharing the student feedback; he responded promptly and kindly.

The nature of life in crisis is uncertainty. We haven’t done this pandemic-thing before. There are so many questions and things we just do not know. How should we act? When will it be safe? Are gloves are a good idea or not?

All the uncertainties add to our stress level, and make us desperate for something solid and sure. The danger is, of course, resolving the anxiety by becoming certain about things that are not actually certain at all.

Sometimes uncertainties can be resolved quickly and easily — like a quick email to the Provost, for example.

But often the best strategy is being still in that space of not knowing, and patiently waiting for the clouds of uncertainty to lift.

They will.

They always do.

We cannot force clarity and certainty when it does not yet exist — we can only pretend that we can.

The Pandemic Canine Pregnancy Test has arrived!

Just make sure your pretending won’t kill you or someone you love — please.

You all matter.