Strange Times

So here we are entering week 5 of the UK lockdown. And I know that it is being experienced differently by everyone depending on your situation and your personality.

For those that enjoy a busy and sociable lifestyle this may be a challenge..whilst for all the introverts out there this may not be quite as big a problem..I'm fortunate to have a family so far untouched by this horrible virus, but the reality for many is worrying and sometimes tragic and the effects of social inequality on the lives of many are becoming all too clear.

Personally I feel really lucky to be able to spend this time at home with my family; cooking, gardening and embarking on projects I've been putting off. All the things that there isn't usually enough time for.

But despite this, the days aren't always as fulfilling and productive as I'd like them to be. Unstructured time in the same place, day after day, can be difficult for anyone, especially with children to keep happy and motivated. I've found its important to try and be patient with myself and the rest of the family and realise that we're all going to have our 'moments' in this. The challenges are different and require a flexible approach in this uncharted territory.

I've read a lot of articles and personal thoughts on this in the press and social media these last few weeks.

Certain ideas pop up, such as the importance of having a routine and differentiating between the weekdays and the weekends.(Not so easy during holiday time but roll on Monday).

Also taking care of your environment can be an important and nurturing activity.

I've allowed my two boys a stretch of wall each to draw and paint on. This may not be everyone's idea of a good idea but it's working for us! Find what works for you...

Keeping in touch with friends and family of course is vital. It's easy to feel low but making a date for an online chat and coffee can be enough to lift the day. Discovering Zoom has been a revelation for me and my limited tech skills!

A friend sent me this poem and I think it's a beautiful summation of the times we're in.

It was written by Kathleen O'Meara in 1869, reprinted during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919.

And people stayed at home

And read books and listened

And rested and exercised

And made art and played

And learned new ways of being

And stopped

And listened deeper

Someone meditated

Someone prayed

Someone danced

Someone met their shadow

And people began to think differently

And people healed

And in the absence of people who

Lived in ignorant ways

Dangerous, meaningless and

heartless,

Even the earth began to heal

And when the danger ended

And people found each other

They grieved for the dead

And made new choices

And dreamed of new visions

And created new ways of living

And healed the earth completely

Just as they were healed themselves.