The past few years of dealing with the pandemic has been a journey. From the initial anxiety of not knowing what we were dealing with to developing a level of comfort with the notion of being in lockdown and with restricted movement.

Lockdown for many has been an opportunity to slow down, finding more balance in life. Our days were simpler, less time focused and although we may have been juggling quite a few tasks they were all mainly within the four walls of our home. The reprieve of exercise became a scheduled event within a more flexible day. We found new ways to occupy our time and reasons to get up in the morning. When we ventured out it was bravely remembering a repertoire of health behaviours – mask wearing, QR check ins, washing hands and social distancing from others.

As we now take a ‘road map’ out of the lockdown phase we are opening up to the next stage of the journey. One that is taking us out of our comfort zone and back into the wider world. Much like a rebirth, leaving the safety and security of the womb or cocoon to enter the unknown. For some people this is leading to a new level of anxiety. For most of us we are feeling more vulnerable and less certain about the world we live in.

We look at old photos of the overseas adventures we had pre-pandemic and they feel quite alien. Did we really navigate airports enthusiastically and transport ourselves to far flung parts of the world eager for a taste of new sights, cultures, food and language? Did we also gather together for large parties, family gatherings and live events? Enthusiastically packing our bodies close together in crowds. Receiving and giving welcoming hugs and contact with friends and acquaintances.

Yet we now look at living in a world where we live alongside Covid 19. Asking the question what is still possible? We wonder how we have personally changed and how our world is different. Can we once again take a full breath accepting that we are fully present in life as it is now? Asking if it is safe to leave the comfort of our four walls and re-enter the world once more.

Some people are embracing the freedom of eased restrictions. Ticking off the list of what activities they can now take part in. Perhaps overdoing the re-entry as they refill their schedule. Others, now with a new respect and gratitude for what they have missed, enjoying each new possibility in a more measured way. That first cup of coffee or lunch away from home. That short day trip relishing in the sights and sounds with new eyes and ears. Now savored and no longer taken for granted. Over time having the courage to venture further and further out into the world.

‘We will realize how wonderful the world is when we are let out into it’.

David Whyte – Irish Poet.

What is now different as we approach living?

Priority – We have a greater clarity around what is important in our lives. The things we missed most while we were in lockdown are the things we most crave to experience again. We no longer take our relationships and activities for granted. We have been gifted a certain number of years and are now more aware that tomorrow is not a given. That makes our decision making wiser and our gratitude for what we already have more tangible.

Authenticity – Allowing ourselves to slow down from the rushed pace of life has given opportunities for more inner reflection. We have reverted to more basic needs for safety, security and self-care. Our emotions have been more raw and real. Hopefully as we venture back into living more fully we remember the importance of maintaining these core needs. We may have also found an interest or passion that we want to develop further. A change of lifestyle that more closely aligns with who we are. With a fresh start can come a boldness to go in a new direction with more personal meaning. One that brings joy, happiness and renewed purpose.

Connection – Many have found growth in their kindness and compassion to the needs of others. The pandemic has highlighted the inequity and hidden struggles within our communities.  Could this be a silver lining needed to address the imbalance? With our loved ones, we have tasted the inability for face to face connection and learnt to value these relationships more.

As we move back out into the world we may do so with a different perspective. The challenges we’ve faced have given us the opportunity for a wiser, more considered reflection on life. It has also given the possibility of a reset of our priorities and ways of being in the world.

Imagine a garden. There is such a beautiful variety of colour, shape and size. Some blooms have been recently planted. Others are well established. They are the elders of the garden. Each plant relies on those around them to thrive. The connections between them are often unseen as they happen below the surface of the soil. The soil needs to be rich with nutrients for healthy roots and the plant needs adequate sunshine, water and protection to grow. These are the outer influences on the plant’s ability to thrive.

A loving gardener tends to the garden. Adding nutrients such as fertilizer and water, pruning off parts of the plant that have decayed and removing weeds that compete with the plant for growth. In time, each plant has the potential to thrive and perhaps it flowers. Gaining strength from the tender loving care and attention it receives.

As the garden matures, the gardener strikes new plants from the healthiest ones. The fledgling plants may stay within the same garden bed as their ‘parent’ or join another garden bed. New plants are brought in from the nursery to add diversity.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

Lady Bird Johnson.

The analogy of the garden mirrors our relationship with each other and the world around us. Each of us have been planted in a particular location or ‘garden bed’. We rely on both the other plants around us and on external factors in order to thrive. No plant survives long if it is on its own. Just as plants in the garden, we are interconnected and rely on each other for support and cohesion.

How can we bloom in our particular bed of the garden?

Compassion – both for others and ourselves. The whole community flourishes if we are aware of the needs of individuals and also the impact we can have supporting each other particularly with the most vulnerable. Compassion also needs to be extended to ourselves. Ensuring we have the right nutrients of well-being to flourish. I have seen some beautiful examples of how individuals and groups are supporting their communities – voluntary work, donations to organizations who support those in crisis or need, connection with neighbours, street pantries.

Advocacy – With courage and clarity we can speak on behalf of or in support of other people. Raising issues and giving a voice to the needs of marginalized groups who may be overlooked for recognition or specific support.

Teamwork – Balancing our own needs with consideration for the needs of the whole community. Checking if our individual actions or perspectives have a negative impact on the welfare of others. Working together to build a culture that ensures everyone’s needs and well-being are met and enhanced. Those needs can be as basic as the safety and physiological needs (clean air, water and food) for each individual, to the creation of social networks of belonging and ensuring pathways to continued personal growth and learning. Asking ‘Is this for the greater good?’, ‘Am I supporting this whole garden/community to thrive?’

Next time you are out in a garden, imagine the connection and support each plant is playing in creating the whole. As members of our communities we can help each other bloom. By providing the tender loving care of compassion, advocacy and teamwork we can make something beautiful.