How to cope with our new enemy: Covid-19

These are extremely difficult times we're experiencing. Covid-19 has reminded us all of how fragile we are as a species. It's caused us to take drastic measures to ensure the spread of this virus is minimized, as much as humanly possible. We've been awakened to the fact that in many ways, we, as a society were unprepared to handle this type of threat and that some of our very world leaders failed in their handling of this. Yes, it is leaving its impact, but I believe that once we get through this, we will emerge stronger than before, more prepared than before, and more aware than before. Through the crisis will come some good.

I'd like to share a poem a friend sent me today about the virus and our 'lockdown,' as well as a few of my personal thoughts of encouragement in hopes it will help some, if not all of you, through this tough time. First, let's remind ourselves and those around us who need reminding, that this, too, shall pass. It's here and it's real. Yes. We can't change the fact that it's here. But we're going to control it. We're going to beat it. We're going to kick it outta here. And it shall pass, and we shall get on with our lives.

Next, let's remember that no one is alone in this. You are not alone in this. We're all in this together, so let's support each other and help those we can, whenever we can. There is help for those who need it, and all you've got to do to get it is ask. And DO ask. It's OK to admit you're frightened. It's OK to admit you're anxious. Tell someone when you're feeling overwhelmed. Share your feelings. Someone will listen and someone will help. Don't succumb to panic buying or any form of panic for that matter. And let's not be quick to judge those who do panic. We each handle our fears in different ways, and sometimes all that's needed is a calm voice to quiet the panic in another. In these times, what's needed is love, compassion, and understanding. If you're scared and anxious, as many are, don't glue yourself to the news. Listen to the right news, stay informed, talk to those in the know who are rational and won't add to your fear, take precautions, but don't glue yourself to it or it may just glue itself to you in the worse of ways and add to your fear. You may become a hostage to the news and a hostage to fear - and that's not good.

Let's change something right now. Let's practice physical distancing and not 'social distancing.' Remaining social is important for each of us because we are social people, after all. So what does that mean, exactly? It means keeping a safe, physical distance between you and others who are not in your immediate circle. It means keeping that safe, physical distance from others on the street or in the grocery stores, and not gathering for parties, BBQs or other events with a bunch of people you haven't seen in a while just for the heck of it. Instead, video-call someone. Telephone friends, family, business acquaintances and whoever else you should be remaining social with. On a dating site? Met someone? Have a video date with them. Be creative. Stay social and wise about it. Meditate. Write. Stay active. Try something new. And remember, we're all going to get through this. We will.

I've offered before to speak to those who need it. I know quite a bit about mental health and have written a book on the topic as well as spoken for the Canadian Mental Health Association as their keynote speaker on mental wellness last year. I extend that offer to you now. I'd be happy to help with a free coaching call if you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Simply inbox me. You're not alone.

Stay safe. Wash those hands and keep smiling. Now, here's that poem I mentioned.

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.

Yes there is isolation.

Yes there is panic buying.

Yes there is sickness.

Yes there is even death.

But,

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland

Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number

through the neighborhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary.

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way

All over the world, people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So we pray and we remember that

Yes there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul.

Yes there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing,

Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing. 

Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM