17th June 2020
As I was walking along the street the other day, it struck me that during this time of worldwide pandemic, I was paying more and more attention. I have become conscious of social distancing, of wearing a mask, not touching my face, and washing my hands for 20 seconds, all of which requires increased awareness of the present moment. We have also been challenged be mindful of what we really need, only buying essentials and reducing travelling, which has had a noticeable effect on the world around us. In many ways it seems that we are more distant, but paradoxically it can also connect us more because what we are actually displaying is awareness and compassion by protecting others and ourselves. It has also cultivated gratitude for what we have - our health, our homes, food, toilet rolls! In order to be grateful, we have to first pay attention, and this pandemic has forced us in many ways to pay attention. In the UK, we have recently celebrated Volunteers Week 2020 and it seems there is now increased awareness and appreciation about the vital role of volunteers. Volunteer projects have been inundated with volunteers helping vulnerable people by delivering food, medicine and a connection to the outside world via a friendly phone call. This increases our sense of community and neighbourliness, something which is desperately needed.
Social isolation is a huge problem in our society and with the restrictions we are currently experiencing, we now we face new challenges in maintaining connections to others and the world around us. Importantly, several people who suffer from social isolation in their everyday lives have told me that they see this as an opportunity for others, who have been forced into social isolation to control the spread of the virus, to gain a greater understanding and insight into the everyday experiences of isolated people. Mindfulness means being in the present moment, without judgement and with compassion. Practising mindfulness also means acknowledging pain and suffering in ourselves and others, but also recognising what is and what is not within our power to predict or change. It is natural to worry about the future at a time like this, but by practising mindfulness of the present moment we can bring ourselves back to being aware of and dealing with each moment as it arises as best we can.
As we emerge from this time of lockdown, my heartfelt hope is that we can build on this awareness, compassion and sense of community and works towards healing together.
Please watch my video below to learn more about mindfulness and how to practise.
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