Amid the darkness, my question is, how many of you are taking time to look and gaze in awe and splendor at the stars and the universe? Without darkness, there isn’t light and vice versa.

This morning, I awoke with some more unease. I knew I needed to up my ante with my morning meditation to calm my worries and fears. So per usual, I drank a tall glass of lemon water, followed by filling up my favorite mug with hot tea to hold while I meditated from my perch, a.k.a., my apartment on one of San Francisco’s marvelous hills.

Here’s a message of calm I wanted to share with you about being well during these trying, uncertain and fear-mongering times.

Three thoughts came to me this morning about how to CALM yourself and face fear, how to TRUST that you are and will be OK and why we need to celebrate the NOW.

So, on this fourth day of quarantine, how are my Bay Area peeps doing? Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that today will be Day 1 of lockdown for the rest of California.

What are you doing to calm yourself and your beloveds from the fear? How are you trusting that we will be well? And how are you maintaining and celebrating this sacred, special time that you’re given to be with your loved ones, be with yourself and do you, boo?

For more of my blogs and interviews I’ve created to calm my body, mind and spirit during the #Coronavirus craze, go to GoInspireGo.com. And remember, sharing is caring. Please support by sharing the blogs and your thoughts on how you’re dealing during these bizarre times. I trust that you, me, we are and will be well!

Virtual high-five,
Toan

P.S. Here are my previous vlogs about these coronavirus times:

–The Power of Connecting in a Time of Social Distancing

–Time Out for a Coronavirus Mind, Body and Spirit Check

–Amid the ‘Manic Panic,’ a Call for Coronavirus Heroes

–Broadway Star Salisha Thomas Finds Hope, Inspiration (and Dancing) in Face of Coronavirus Shutdown

The post Celebrating the Light in the Coronavirus Era appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

While the whirlwind of news continues — new coronavirus cases/deaths, attacks on Asians around the globe, and a possible stimulus package — the earth is still spinning.

It seems like many people are spinning out of control with the “worst-case scenario” mentality. I’m not downplaying your fears, but for a moment let’s take back our power and focus on a higher vibration and stay positive.

I’ll be posting good news, stories about heroes and positive words to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy.

Today’s message: Do one thing for your mind, body and spirit.

Here’s today’s pep talk/video diary I made just for you:

Let’s recap.

For your spirit: Pause and meditate. I’ve blogged extensively about morning routines and my meditation practice. Most recently, I shared this blog about how to calm yourself during the coronavirus pandemic.

For beginning meditators, start with 10 deep breaths. Sitting still for just one minute used to be hard for me, but today, I meditated for 40 minutes! Haaay! If you are feeling up to the challenge, here’s how I was able to build my meditation stillness.

For your body: It’s simple, just move it. I’m sure you can make up millions of excuses why you can’t exercise. Yes, gyms have shuttered, kids are home from school, maybe your city is on lockdown. STOP now, breathe and get to the basics.

I’m no doctor (although my mother would be happy if you called me Dr. Lam), and I don’t know your medical condition is, but if you’re healthy enough for any physical activity, do what you can! Here’s my exercise routine today:

Started off by putting Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” on repeat.

Five rounds of:
-jumping jacks
-lunges
-burpees
-pushups
-situps

It was so great to sweat. My mind and body feel better already. Sorry in advance if the aforementioned song is stuck in your head!

For your mind: Keep it healthy and positive! Yes, there is a mirage of things we can worry about: bills, childcare, our health. But tune into a higher frequency and you’ll feel a shift.

Start by changing your perspective. Parents, don’t complain about your children being home from school. Wasn’t there a time when you wished you didn’t have to work so much so you could spend more time with the kiddos? I hear parents complaining right in front of them. Be mindful, they’re sponges. They soak it all in.

I love this artwork created by Alessandra Olanow:

Yass, more WE, less ME!

I’ve decided to reach out to some elders in my community to see if they need help grocery shopping, running errands, or just want someone to talk to. Please, if you’re able, reach out to seniors and folks who are immunocompromised to see if they could use a hand (or ear).

I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll repeat it again. When this outbreak first happened, I felt powerless. I started to freak out as I watched the news and scrolled through my social media feeds. Then, I began to focus on my breath, calmed down and regained my power, my thoughts and my actions.

I remembered that I have the power of storytelling. I recalled Mr. Fred Rogers sharing his mom’s response to bad news: “Look for the helpers.” Then it clicked. I started to look for the helpers/heroes and shared their content. I’ve done some Instagram Lives with two heroine-sister-friends, Ashley Gin Fong Linker and Salisha Thomas. Please have a listen to our convos and share if you care!

What else are you doing to pass the time and calm your mind, body and spirit? I want to know! Please comment below.

Stay calm and collectively, we will get through this!

Much love,
Toan

The post Time Out for a Coronavirus Mind, Body and Spirit Check appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

It’s gettin’ real here in the Bay, y’all.

We have two choices:

1. Freak out and succumb to the manic panic.
OR
2. Calm yourself and stay positive.

I urge everyone to think about what you can do to elevate the human experience for yourself and those around you.

Last week, I was feeling powerless for a quick minute. Then I realized that you and me have more power than we think. We are a thought away from changing our story.

If you’re bummed you are working from home, think about all the people who are out of work.

If you’re complaining about your kids being out of school without babysitting, think about all the times you wished you could spend more quality time with them.

If you’re annoyed you have to “shelter in place,” think about the homeless.

It really does start with a deep breath to bring you to the present moment and to focus on gratitude.

My spirits have been lifted seeing the many acts of kindness out there. When I was feeling down last week, my spirits uplifted when I started to look for coronavirus heroes. I remember Mr. Fred Rogers say his mom’s response to bad news was, “Look for the helpers.” I do believe there are always more helpers than the “bad guys.”

It’s funny how quickly your mood and story changes when you shift your vibration to a positive tune. As soon as I thought, “I tell stories for a living, I can talk to the helpers/heroes to find light during these dark times,” the universe brought me to Ashley Gin Fong Linker. She’s a New Yorker who saw an elderly Asian woman afraid of being attacked while going home. Ashley took the initiative to walk with her the rest of the way. Such a simple act had great impact.

I started to do casual Instagram Live conversations with heroes I’ve found.

Today, I had a deep dive conversation and virtual dance party with my soul sister and Broadway star Salisha Thomas, who is currently cast in Britney Spears’ musical, “Once Upon a One More Time.” Salisha spoke candidly about how she and the rest of the Broadway community are dealing with the shutdown of all live theater shows. I hope you find hope and inspiration as you listen and dance along with us:

Remember, you’re not alone in your journey, y’all. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out to your community and family for help. We are all in this together.

I want to know, what are you doing to pass the time? I was so inspired by Salisha’s Facebook Live updates. She is using her positive energy to shine light on the current coronavirus situation.

Artists like Chris Martin from Coldplay (@coldplay) played a music series for his fans on IG Live called “#TogetherAtHome.” He inspired John Legend (@johnlegend) to do an IG Live piano performance and sing. Katie Couric (@katiecouric) also played the piano and is sharing stories about how folks are passing the time by reposting her fans’ messages. She asked her fans to tag #KatiesHomies.

We are in this together, y’all. We will get through this. We are not alone and there is hope. Hang in there and let me know what you’re doing to inspire your community.

Xx,
Toan

The post Broadway Star Salisha Thomas Finds Hope, Inspiration (and Dancing) in Face of Coronavirus Shutdown appeared first on Go Inspire Go.