Stock up on compassion
coronavirus is a big part of our lives. But we are not alone, we are in this together. By stocking up on compassion and care – and creating (or joining) supportive spaces to share what we are feeling – we help one another.
There are lovely videos of people in Italy playing instruMOTHERS ments and singing songs together from their balconies.
Aussie musicians like Clare Bowditch and Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen are organising online singalongs and online gatherings. Even as we self-isolate we can be part of caring communities.
Incorporating small acts of kindness into each day, reaching out by phone or text to friends, singing online with Clare or Astrid, spending extra time playing with our children, pets and plants are all useful feel-better things we can do.
It is completely normal to feel uncertain and worried. Sharing our feelings and listening to each other is important.
Our children and young people feel both their own and our anxiety. Age-appropriate communication is essential now so that children and young people can feel safe. The website raisingchildren.net.au is a valuable resource if you need tips about how to talk to kids about what is happening.
Getting information from accurate, trusted and reputable news sources is necessary. But it is also important to monitor how much media coverage we are seeing. Exposing ourselves to distressing news over and over again is not helpful. Once we have the facts we need, let us bring our attention to ways to help one another.
It is empowering to know that by staying home we are helping health services by slowing down the speed and spread of the virus.
It is empowering for children to know that by washing their hands regularly and avoiding touching their faces they are helping the health of those around them.
It is empowering for all us to realise that through small and big social distancing actions and prioritising sleep and nutrition we are supporting our health, reducing our stress, and ensuring that those who are really unwell or vulnerable will have access to the medical help they need. Our small thoughtful actions go a long way.
With clean hands, informed minds and open hearts, let’s focus on spreading kindness, compassion and care.