Do you remember your life a year ago? What you were doing/planning/dreaming about? This February, I’m intensely aware that we are approaching the one year anniversary of living with COVID 19. It’s hard to believe all that has taken place. 2020 and part of 2021 seems like it’s been suspended in time or that time itself has found a wrinkle that we are living. If someone had told me we would be living this long in various stages of lockdown a year ago, I would have climbed right out of my skin. Instead, it has been a slow wayward journey of shedding expectations, slowing down, living with uncertainty, cherishing those we love, enjoying nature, getting outdoors, being grateful for what we have, and learning to live with less. Inspired by a Facebook Post, of all things, I invited the practitioners of the Resiliency Center to reflect on their journey through the year in this newsletter. Here are the questions for reflection which we invite the reader to reflect on as well:
Questions to consider:
1. For what are you most grateful as you look back over the year and why?
2. What did you take for granted this year?
3. What did this reveal to you about yourself and your presence in the world?
4. What new hobby or old pastime did you take up or revive during this time?
5. Was there an unexpected joy that you experienced during this time?
6. What is the most important thing that the year of Covid 19 has taught you?
We close this newsletter with some of our favorite shows and books that have accompanied us along the way. Almost every phone call or zoom gathering I have had with friends and family has ended with sharing our favorite stories either in book or digital form. These stories have made us laugh, inspired us or temporarily transported us away from the angst and stress of living through COVID times.
My Reflections
For what are you most grateful as you look back over the year and why? I’m grateful for my family, friends and health but that is not unusual except that I feel it more palpably and daily. This year, I’ve also been grateful for my work that allows me to connect with others in a meaningful way and on a deeply human level, to bear witness to the strength and resiliency of the human spirit and to laugh in the midst of struggle and pain.
What did you take for granted this year? This year I learned how much I always take for granted: opportunities and a sense of safety afforded to me by white privilege, health, food security, choices for education, employment, space- both in my own home and in my neighborhood.
What did this reveal to you about yourself and your presence in the world? This has revealed to me that I have been sleepwalking in some ways. The struggle and challenges of 2020 have awakened within me an urgency about social, racial, and environmental justice. This year has revealed to me that my busy-ness can and does rob me of precious energy and clarity needed to devote to working for causes I believe in and spending more time with people I love. The time to rest, reflect can bring forth a return to the things that truly matter.
What new hobby or old pastime did you take up or revive during this time? I found Yoga with Adrienne on Youtube! I have never been a regular practitioner of yoga because I’d much rather run, spin or swim...but Adrienne’s delightful personality and less than one hour classes won me over. I also reconnected with a textile artist friend who has guided me on a journey called “The Art of Weaving a Life” by Susan Barrett Merrill. I find weaving to be soothing and meditative...and less frustrating to me than knitting!
Was there an unexpected joy that you experienced during this time? One day we dragged our firepit to the end of the driveway and invited our neighbors, who we used to hold at a respectful distance, to join us. Thus began an unlikely friendship of two families from different political parties during an election year. We watch over each other, take care of our neighbors who can’t get to the grocery store or shovel their walks, and coordinate a weekly dinner exchange. Also the birds coming to our new birdfeeder along with the time to slow down and observe them always gives me joy. It just never gets old seeing a male bright red cardinal in the winter landscape.
What is the most important thing that the year of Covid 19 has taught you? I have always been a restless soul and felt the constant need to get out or see lots of friends. I’ve resisted quieter pastimes and the rest that is so restorative. The year of COVID 19 taught me I could adapt and not just survive, but thrive on simple pleasures like baking bread, having patience, finding connection and loving the people right in your own backyard. I am integrating more of my values into my space and my family’s life. I learned that small acts of kindness are the surest route to a sense of connection and belonging.
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