Ready to Greet the World

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.