Takhir Almazbekov, RMT - Registered Massage Therapist
My dear clients, colleagues and friends, As I write my annual article, I would like to use this opportunity to show my support during this difficult time of COVID-19 and lockdown. I see daily struggles and restrictions in our community. Many grandparents (a high-risk group) are not able to see their loving and precious grandchildren. Likewise, children and grandchildren are missing their parents and grandparents. There are many seniors suffering from loneliness. Others are experiencing difficulty with career changes or loss of a job. And of course, many of us are feeling the effects of being unable to go to our favourite restaurants, the gym or to see friends. At the same time, I am happy to see that many people are taking the initiative to develop their hobbies, doing yoga and meditation. They are using this time to open doors to new worlds and opportunities, learning new languages and acquiring new skills. Many are exploring and finding their hidden talents for music, art, cooking etc. And others are spending more time with their children and doing projects together such as arts and crafts. We have friends that have been generously fostering and/or adopting dogs and taking on the costs of life-saving surgeries or basic health improvement for some of them. “Everything Passes. This Too Shall Pass.” That is what was written in King Solomon’s ring. For those of you who find it difficult to cope in these trying times or who are feeling hope slip away, I want to encourage and assure you that everything passes, and this lockdown will pass as well. That day when life is back to normal is not far off. I would encourage you to take advantage of this extraordinary time and focus on the little things.
Perhaps, you are having a hard time finding your new hobby? Remember what you were good at when you were a child? What was your dream? Maybe this is the time to revisit what made you happiest and perhaps even make your dream come true.
I would like to suggest starting each morning with a tall glass of water. As well, planks and stretching exercises are your best friends. Balance exercises are beneficial for your body and mind. Work on improving your sleeping and eating habits, start by reading this article written by our naturopath: A Clean New Start to 2021
Perhaps you and/or your family have some habits you would like to be rid of. For the sake of those you love, this is the perfect time to stop the habits that are harmful, such as smoking or substance abuse. Doing it for those you love gives you motivation but the rewards and benefits from quitting will be yours!
We should remember that life is a gift and the best day is today. Nothing is impossible, everything is in your hands! I would like to leave you with a short but powerful poem by William Ernest Henley. Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.