During a pandemic surge, inspiration may be, admittedly, a little challenging to come by.
As a chaplain, I hear all sides of how people think things should be handled. It is my job to provide a safe space for the emotions all people feel. Not just the people I agree with.
It is easier said than done. In my efforts to do so, I’ve noticed something. As divergent the opinions are as to how this most recent surge should be handled, the feelings are similar, whether people own up to them or not. (By the way, owning up to one’s feeling is far better for you than not.)
I’ve seen tears from people who believe in the vaccine and those who do not. I’ve heard frustration from those who want every mitigation intervention in place as well as those who think everything should be normalized and mitigation is useless.
I’ve noticed exhaustion, anger, grief, and pain. Again, similar emotions, even though the thoughts and ideas on how things should be handled vary greatly.
I’ve seen positives, too. A common thread is the strong desire to do right by people. Another aspiration I see quite often is a belief in the power of a positive attitude no matter what is going on. I also have observed care and concern for those who provide care. Innovation is universal - there is a willingness to try new interventions to meet the needs of those suffering. I have seen great courage in the face of adversity.
Obviously, mere good intentions and noticing feelings probably aren’t the solution. However, looking at what we have in common is probably a step in the right direction. Hence why I share what I see and hear to the extent that I can.
What is the right direction? That may be something that only time will tell. In my experience you cannot bury truth, it eventually comes bubbling up in the fullness of time. I do not share this as a way of offering comfort. I’m not enamored with it by any stretch of the imagination. I propose that this is something that may need to be accepted. Perhaps over and over. There are many things out of our control.
There are some things in our control:
Let’s take care of ourselves. It’s easy to get pulled into the swirling vortex of all the craziness going on. To over-work, to overdo. It’s trite as can be, but the adage that you cannot love others until you love yourself is perennial as the grass for a reason. Resist the temptation (and the great shot of adrenaline) of jumping into the fray and staying too long. (As I write this to you, it is with the full understanding that this is also a much-needed reminder for myself.)
The yardstick for measuring what to do, and what to politely decline is a tricky one. It’s important to identify the safe people in our lives to help us navigate that process of discernment.
Belief in a Higher Power is helpful to a lot of people. During this surge in patients, I’ve been asked to pray with people more than I ever recall in my lifetime. What a privilege! Even a small moment of conscious contact with the Divine can impart a peace that surpasses all understanding. If it helps you, practice the Holy Presence of your understanding.
If you’re not into faith, that is no problem, science backs up the benefits of meditation. Or simply pause for a few simple deep breaths, you’d be surprised how shallow the breath can become in a stressful situation.
A little gratitude goes a long way. I woke up this morning and my first thought was, “Gosh how nice is it that I am still alive?” My second thought was “How nice is it that my husband and child are alright?” It was a marvelous way to start the day. It is often possible to be thankful, even amid life’s messiness.
Most of all? Let us take every opportunity we can to work together in a spirit of cooperation. I know, easier said than done with the divergent thoughts on how things should be done.
I’m not suggesting anyone step out of their integrity. A consensus can be reached without full agreement on everyone’s part.
Perhaps a starting place is truly listening and authentically acknowledging how we feel. I know when it comes to our emotions; we are far more alike than different.
Perhaps that is, at the very least, someplace to start.
I thank you for reading, be blessed this day!
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