The weather has warmed. It is spring in the south. Windows open. Good sleeping weather. Woke to the sound of a nice refreshing rain. More importantly, took the opportunity to just sit for awhile with my tea, watching and listening to the sounds of nature. I must make it a priority to take time for things I value and appreciate… Truth be told, I do not want to go back to the chaotic busyness that too often consumed my pre-COVID-19 life. I like many things about this “new normal” in a strange sort of way. Despite the bad and ugly of this whole mess, I believe there are good aspects to this period of social distancing that has claimed our lives. We must look for those…
Personally, I am grateful it is spring, a season that typically energizes me. Spring makes it easier for me to experience more of nature, which I find therapeutic. Long walks outdoors are a must. Now I am taking those walks more than ever, and the flowers in neighbors’ gardens are lovely! It makes me feel less isolated and alone to see others out doing the same, working in their yards, walking their dog, painting their front door… We smile at each other, wave, and shout greetings. Guess this is one of my ways of finding connection when I am supposed to be still.
In a recent newspaper article, Eugene Robinson, an associate editor of the Washington Post, said that “…in a crisis, our natural reaction is to do something, anything. What makes the COVID-19 crisis so difficult, and so unsettling, is that we are being asked to do nothing.” The solution, we are told, is not action, but inaction. Yet, it is in this period of inaction that we have the opportunity to slow down, to stop and regroup. We can allow ourselves to think deeply and take stock of our lives. We can reassess our goals, fine tune our aspirations, and yes, redefine our priorities. In this period of time we can make changes to how we conduct our lives going forward. In recent days I have had women tell me that they really could get used to having gray hair and doing their own nails. Other folks have said how much nicer it is to share a glass of wine on the front porch and wave to neighbors walking by rather than driving over to the local restaurant/bar. Getting a spring garden ready is now more of a joy than a mindless task. Cleaning and sorting a messy closet becomes a happy celebration rather than a dreaded chore often avoided. We are beginning to think about a lot of things differently. Perhaps for the better.
This period of time for many comes with more time on our hands. What do we do with that time? Getting fresh air and exercise and spending time in nature are tops on my list. Reading is a favorite pastime for a lot of people. Cooking meals at home with family inspires some. Creating new family rituals and perhaps playing more games together brings smiles and laughter. Rediscovering music comes to mind. The list is endless.
We all know hardships. Yet I pray that each of us can find meaning in the misfortunes around us. Easier said that done sometimes. But if we try, it can help strengthen our resilience and help us heal. As we heal, we are better prepared to help others and help our world.
Make a list of simple things that help you heal.
