COVID-19 has increased stress for many people whether it's the isolation, being out of work, money troubles, or concerns about the illness itself. One man, however, is going online to help others deal with the emotions of the pandemic.
"I want all of you to be in the space that you feel supported, that you feel love, that you feel safe," said Timothy Gay who is owner of The Infinite Transition.
Gay held his first online grief meditation session on Thursday. He has been teaching meditation for 6 years. but with coronavirus restrictions forcing people to stay in their homes, he's turned to sessions on the Infinite Transitions Facebook and Instagram pages to de-stress people during the pandemic. "It allows them to connect with a community and understanding that other people are dealing with these things as well. So we're not really alone, even if we are physically alone," said Gay.
Times are tough with the threat of the virus looming, and the financial hardships that have come with it. "Scientific research talks about how much stress impacts your body. So without releasing some of this stress it could lead to deeper issues," said Gay.
He says releasing stress right now is difficult, especially if you are sick from COVID-19 or know someone who is sick or has died from it. He says what he does is get people to visualize what can help them express and then let go of their emotions. That allows them to finally relax. "What we are literally going to be doing is guiding them through a process to help them bring in all their fears, all their stress, and all that tension. We help them guide them through the process to let them to release some of that. That helps them understand there will be more to grieve, but allow them to release some of this tension," said Gay.
He says he's planning on holding more grief meditation sessions online as long as people are interested. "You have to understand that you're doing it in the space of your home which means that you can create that space of peace and harmony in your home," said Gay.
