Navigating the “in-between” time

The human body was not created to be dormant. Our organs function by moving, as we do throughout our daily lives. Or rather as we did, in previous months when everything was still normal. When we still had major deadlines and work up to our ears. Before the Covid-19 crisis caused everyone to retreat to the safety of their homes. Some don’t see the pandemic as a crisis, rather, they are choosing to make a new way of life for themselves by finding a different rhythm.

When our physical bodies are forced to remain in more confined spaces, our mental health can have a difficult time coping. What people are experiencing, since the crisis started a few weeks ago, is a Post-Trauma or transitional phase. An event such as Covid-19 changes your reality and usual routines, which can cause anxiety when things don’t feel quite right. This phase is right now, however, it is not the end.

We are currently in an in-between phase, also known as Liminality. Research shows that liminal individuals have nothing differentiating them from each other. Not status, clothing or rank to demarcate them socially. It is not a typical social hierarchy but a communal group in which all are equal. The Latin term ‘communitas’ expresses the idea of anti-/semi-structured communities. Together, they submit to the general authority of leadership, but still are equal individuals living in a shared space. Hence the term ‘communal’ space.

Social media and network platforms can be considered as 21st Century communal spaces. People from all around the world are flooding these spaces with care and support as equal individuals. The collective international lockdown is bringing people together to unite in a time when each person is under constant stress. The key is to approach this time in giving back to the community, as well as taking part in relevant discussions.

Re-assimilation is our next phases where we can come out of an oppression period with renewed hope, vision and motivation. The human race is a very performance-based species, focusing on targets, KPIs and long-term goals. We need to always be active or have a to-do list. Some to feel useful, others to feel important. No matter the drive, when we aren’t able to lead lives as we please, we feel like there is a problem in life. The challenge now, is to find our places again in a changed environment.

There will be days or even weeks where you don’t reach all your daily goals or feel like you haven’t accomplished anything. You might feel agitated and stressed out. This is the optimal time when our minds seek movement and/or activity. Keeping in mind that most people are still needing to work from home, what does one do when stuck inside the house and wanting to maintain some sense of ‘normality’? I might suggest some routine, although that word should be taken lightly. Regular nutritious meals, stretching, meditation and rest are all essential for maintaining a general balance. Mental stability is even more important than physical health, especially when your brain is still expected to be at its best. If your mind is weak-willed or lacks discipline, you cannot expect your body to follow suit. The same rings true to what you put into your body.

Remember: goals look different in a pandemic crisis. Maybe you haven’t been able to keep up with your daily targets and expectations, but maybe that special story you’ve been working on gets published. Maybe your virtual staff meeting presentation was postponed, but at least you get more time to prepare for the next one to be better. Make short-term goals, for the upcoming day. Don’t pressure yourself to achieve things you did before this pandemic. Those times were different to these. These goals should then be different to those past goals. See through the basic, menial tasks before you tackle the bigger underlying issues. Take little steps, be kinder to yourself and you might find yourself being kinder to others.

During this time, we need to stop and be grateful for what we have. Australia and New Zealand recently celebrated Anzac Day (25 April), which commemorates those that fought and died for the nation’s freedom and government during the First World War. This Remembrance Day signifies the nations’ thankfulness to their predecessors and the freedom we enjoy today. We are to be thankful for our medical staff risking their lives to save others. Thankful for our health when others are suffering. Thankful for the friends and family around us and for their health.

Right now, we don’t have to be overly focused on long-term goals. We don’t have to know what the future brings, but we are to add value to the present moment and enjoy it as that. In an elevator, we are between floors - not the ground or first floor. For right now, we are navigating the In-Between Time. So, focus on clarity and direction for today. Make today the best you can. These are the moments you will remember, not the times you planned for the big unknown future.