Using "Social Distancing" as an Invitation
I’m writing this at home, which is apparently the new normal for much of the world! Actually, my office is at home anyway, so it’s not new for me. What is new, is the idea of staying home for everything else, too!
The broad implementation of strategies that will limit the spread of coronavirus has lots of implications. First, of course, let’s keep reminding ourselves that any inconveniences we experience are for the purpose of slowing down the pandemic. Even if you’re among those who would not likely be seriously harmed by it (the majority of people, it seems), I don’t think any of you would want to become the reason that someone more vulnerable would be harmed because you unknowingly passed it to them. As one of the people in the higher risk category, I also don’t want to put anyone in the position of knowing that they exposed me to the virus and I ended up with a serious case. When you frame it in personal terms like that, it helps keep it all in perspective.
But beyond the direct medical implications, is it possible that the suggested social distancing is inviting us to rethink some things? Consider that…
… this is a PANdemic; it is global. It doesn’t care about nationality, or gender, or race, or religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status, or sexual preference, or IQ, or body type, or culture, or political views, or any of the other myriad ways that we divide ourselves. Perhaps there’s an invitation in there for us to remember that we’re all human beings and have much more in common than that which divides us.
… the coronavirus is a disease that is passed from one person to the next, and most often the person who passes it doesn’t actually realize the implications of what they’ve done. Perhaps there’s an invitation in there for us to recognize that there are other negative things that we sometimes pass along unwittingly: an unkind word toward a loved one that cuts deeper than we might have intended; a meme that we re-post without thinking who might be offended or even hurt by it; a blunt demand instead of a kind request from someone who is serving us. Let’s use this season to be more thoughtful and intentional in how we treat others.
… spending extra time at home with other family members can put unexpected pressures on those relationships. Perhaps there’s an invitation in there to be more intentional in being honest about your own needs and listening well and responding to others about their needs. Scheduling some time for shared fun activities can also help.
… long periods of social distance can easily lead to loneliness and depression. Perhaps there’s an invitation in there to give extra attention to increase “virtual” connections with friends and loved ones. Pay attention to your inner promptings and call that person who came to mind. Having a group video chat can also be great therapy. Get creative and try a group video for wine tasting with friends, or have a virtual book club discussion.
… there may be high-risk people living nearby who can't or shouldn’t go out for shopping or errands. Perhaps there’s an invitation in there to be a good neighbor to someone who needs one.
… when you feel “cabin fever” perhaps there’s an invitation in there to do something productive that you normally don’t have space for in your life. Invest in yourself in some way. Might I suggest trying the “Stepping In to the Story” Course that we offer at Living FORward?! It’s done in a live video chat, so you get the added benefit of enjoying some other people who are taking the course with you while maintaining social distance. You can even sign up with a friend or two to take it together. (Learn more HERE.)
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ll close with this Irish blessing:
May love and laughter light your days, and warm you heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!