Quarantined in our homes, unable to gather in restaurants, coffee shops, social settings – places where we used to meet up with friends and family – we may be feeling a little isolated and disconnected. With restricted or no real face time, we might ask ourselves, “How can we stay connected while being physically apart? Who and what is most important in our lives? How are we experiencing this time of uncertainty?”
Conversations and connections may be increasingly valued when they’re not as readily available. How can we reach out in new ways to let those whom we care about know how dear they are to us? Realizing that we are all in this together, how can we expand our definition of community to be more accepting and inclusive?
Recently, I learned an important lesson in dealing with cancer: that there is a huge loving and supportive community that cares about, supports and celebrates each other because of our common, challenging health crisis. Facing the possibility of death is a great equalizer: it doesn’t matter how old we are, what color our skin is, what gender, how much money we possess, what political ideology we have. If we are among the lucky, we are survivors and we are there to help and support each other.
Whenever a crisis stops us in our tracks, we have an opportunity to reflect, reassess how we have been spending our time and what we are doing to create a better world through love and kindness for ourselves and others. 9-11 was such an event, where in one powerful moment, our world stopped and we became one country, one people, united through tragedy. We learned that we can’t take life for granted, that massive changes could be just around the corner.
This insidious virus may be forcing us to find a “new normal”. Beyond the health and well being of ourselves and our loved ones, we can see that the way we connect and relate to others in our local and world community matters. We can each make a positive difference by the kind way we see and engage with others in this unfamiliar, changing world.
Deepening connections while physically keeping our distance may seem contrary, but it may be yet another opportunity to increase our awareness of how connected we truly are and our desire to be a part of a caring community that watches out for each other, is stronger together than going it alone, accepts and welcomes each other’s unique contributions.
With our hearts, and for many our schedules, open, this is a great time to reflect on who and what we cherish. It is a chance to be and do what we love, expressing our creativity, sharing our passions, reinventing ourselves. (i.e. It was during a year of healing that I developed Just Ask 1 2 3 as a pathway to inspire conversations, kindness and connections. Please check out this fun new way for connecting on the website).
How can we use this TIME, to think about and reach out to others who may be alone in their homes, unable to socially engage? Most people want to feel a part of something bigger than themselves, to know that there are people out there who really care about them. We can do that for each other. For now, maybe it’s through phone calls, cards, skype or zoom . . . we’re getting more creative in the ways we choose to let others know that they matter, that they are not alone.
Let’s make connecting fun! Together, we can create a kinder, more loving world that is accepting, inclusive and compassionate.
Blessings and virtual hugs to all,
Linda
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