Let’s Create our Own Rhythm

Wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and frequently washing our hands may help limit the transmission of the pandemic. What are we doing to prevent the virus affecting our mental state? It’s normal to experience traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following such disturbing events. It is not necessarily limited to the people who are directly affected by the event. We’re all flooded with horrific images of tragedy, suffering, and loss almost the instant they occur anywhere in the world. We all react differently to these events but it is important to acknowledge our emotions and feelings in order to regain control of our lives. 

I remember the days where we would find the time to unwind from our very busy lives. Now the way forward is being slowed by increasing trepidation on the part of a global pandemic. I found that my level of anxiety increased and this also affected my sleep. I soon realise that I had to get back to my routine. There is comfort in the familiar. Even if your work or school routine is disrupted, structure your day with regular times for eating, sleeping, relaxing and spending time with family. I for one used to walk every day and also did yoga classes once a week. I started walking as soon as I could and I’m very thankful for technology allowing me to do yoga online. I am sure most of us find ourselves going about our daily lives very differently from what we’ve ever imagined. Here I am writing this blog from the comfort of my bed. For some of us working from home is definitely not the norm, however I have learned that it is important to stick to a routine. This coming from me working from my bed, but my point is that we have to keep on doing, no matter what. 

This period so far has been an abnormal one in the history of our church with divine services made available via various broadcast platforms. This is not the way we would normally congregate, but I am thankful and feel blessed to receive the necessary comfort for my soul. I was forwarded a blank piece of music paper, with a heading reading “THE SOUND OF SILENCE” and music symbols heaped up at the bottom of the music staff lines (see inserted picture). I could not help but compare this to what our minds are like after experiencing the unsettling thoughts and feelings of this traumatic event. Let’s be like a Mozart who composed an entire piece of music in his head before he wrote it down. I hope my explanation through this blank piece of music paper touched a chord and that we are looking forward to creating our own rhythm. Let’s allow life to gradually return to normal and find our purpose in life. Start doing and follow a routine, even if it’s different than before our lockdown days.

As a point of departure, I leave you with these words from BTS : “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”