While parts of our country are being asked to stay at home, a physical distance has been created between us and those we love. We have found ourselves in newly created bubbles of separation.
Grandparents separated from their adult children and grandchildren. Friends no longer visit our homes. The venues we once took for granted – coffee shops, restaurants, movie theatres, gyms and entertainment venues closed for the foreseeable future. Our usual group exercise and activities stalled. Children now see the adults around them wearing masks. I wonder what they are making of this altered world. A world where the latest word on a four year old’s lips is ‘lock down’. Even as adults we are finding it difficult to process the changes that have occurred.
For many of us, we have come to accept that this is our present way of life, yet the future remains uncertain. As humans, we were built for connection. Our current times are definitely testing our natural state of being. We are grieving the physical touch, hugs and energy of communal gathering.
We are hardwired to connect with others, its what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering’
Brene Brown
Yet our desire for connection with others is being heightened.
- We are looking for alternate ways to remain connected with others. The platforms and technologies that have been developed over the last few decades have become our savior in ‘staying in touch’. We can not only connect with our immediate community but also connect with friends and family around the world. Sharing both everyday moments and life milestones together.
- We are being motivated to do what is possible to end this isolation and see our loved ones again. There is nothing like the absence or unavailability of something to build our desire. The term ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ seems appropriate for the yearning we feel. We remain sustained by the possibilities of a time in the future to celebrate life together. This will not be taken for granted when it finally happens.
- We are learning new strategies to navigate our days. Finding reasons to get up in the morning in a narrowed life existence. Establishing daily routines to strengthen our well being and mentally find balance and calm. It may mean creating boundaries around how much information we allow in from the outside world and stopping to just observe the simple things – the sights, sounds and textures of the world around us. It is increasingly important to maintain meaning and stay connected in our everyday lives.
In many ways, although we have reduced our physical presence with others in life, we can stay connected. Like invisible silver threads that join us, we remain in each other’s thoughts, memories and awareness. We all look forward to a time when we can spend more time physically together. Until then its important to use the ways available to us now to stay in touch.