HOW TO DEAL IN A PANDEMIC

We live in the midst of a global pandemic. These might be the most difficult times any of us have ever faced. We’re all coping the best we can in our own ways. In this post, I thought I’d share how I’m handling these tough times in the hope that it helps you. 

In the early days of the pandemic, I struggled with overwhelming feelings of anger and frustration. How could I not? The President called the pandemic a hoax. Governors across the country ignored the severity of the virus. Americans continued to congregate at beaches, parties, and churches. In the midst of all this, I felt deep anger at the thought of innocent victims of infection. I thought this crisis, with more honest, courageous, and intelligent leadership, didn’t have to sink to such cataclysmic levels. But it did. I felt my anger invading my thoughts at all times of day. I couldn’t continue down this road and maintain my mental health. So I decided to change my focus.

As many of you know, I grew up a Christian in Bible Belt of (Warner Robins) Georgia. But many of you may not know that I have always enjoyed a interest in world religions and philosophies. I even co-facilitate a Philosophy group in Greater Atlanta named Spark. As I struggled with overwhelming negative emotions, I decided to seek practices that increased my calm and sense of balance. I started undertaking meditation, calming walks, and practicing mindfulness. What could it hurt? Maybe it could actually help me.

Although I have only carried out these practices for a few weeks, I have already begun to reap benefits. Those benefits inspired this post. I can’t control the pandemic or the global virus. I can’t change the seemingly incompetent legislations and orders of clueless government leaders at all levels. I can’t persuade asymptomatic individuals to stop spreading the virus to strangers in public spaces. But I can use this unwelcome isolation to improve myself. Health should not be taken lightly in these times. But if you have even some, I hope you will consider taking up practices and habits of calm and mindfulness that can help you in these tough times. We must all take care of ourselves as best as we can. If we all survive this pandemic (which is not a given), I hope we can all come out of it kinder, more aware, and appreciative of our lives and those sacrificing to protect us*.

*To all the frontline medical, “essential,” grocery store, delivery workers, including everyone who has to work while taking all available precaution, thank you.