What a changed world we live in…
It seems so bizarre that just 6 weeks ago we thought nothing of planning simple things like a night out with friends or family, and now those things are achingly beyond reach.
The new changed reality, that we may have imagined would be great, with no commuting and working from home, has left us confused and isolated with new anxieties and stresses. We have concerns about the financial future, we may be spending way too much time with some people, and not seeing others at all. We are cut off from our usual coping strategies and resources, such as meeting friends, weekly training or going to the gym.
And yet we have proved ourselves adaptable and resourceful in finding new ways to get our needs met, finding connection through Internet chat groups, and achievement through cooking, or gardening. But the changes and the effort required to keep inventing new strategies is exhausting. Our sleep as a nation has been affected with the latest research from Amárach Research on Irish adults saying that now almost 50 per cent of Irish adults are having poor sleep. Overall, our sense of security and our sense of achievement have also been negatively affected by the present situation, with a higher proportion of adults feeling that those needs are not being met as compared with this time last year.
Recognising how these stresses are affecting all around us is crucial as a nation to come through this crisis in a compassionate way. When we are stressed, there is a tendency to lash out at those around us, to find scapegoats to blame for our stress, and to find relief in alcohol, drugs or food. Little irritations, can take on massive significance. But when we acknowledge our own stress, and irritability, and the ways it affects our behaviour, and then find more helpful ways to deal with it, we can jump off the cycle of blame and defend, and in becoming more compassionate towards ourselves, we find more understanding and compassion for those around us.
It would be wonderful to think as a country we could emerge with renewed compassion, wisdom and understanding to face the as yet unforeseen problems ahead. To be sure we will need strength, generosity and courage, to heal the trauma many of us will have faced during this crisis. Perhaps we can spend the time we have now planning how our country can once again renew and restore its creativity and sense of community, which are resources we have had in abundance in the past.
Our creativity and sense of community have helped us weather many stormy seas in the past. They have been our solace in times of trouble and heartbreak. Once again it’s time to reach in deep, to connect with our history, our treasures, and our resources.