Emotional, spiritual and compassionate preparation

[Neome]

I am grateful for the preppers board and the thoughtful sharing of information.

I am grateful for those sharing their worries which helps me to consider how I manage my own.

I am grateful for the challengers who remind me to critically examine my assumptions.

I want to take a moment to think of all those in Wuhan who are sick or anxious. To remember Dr Li Wenliang and all the healthcare workers there.

I want to send my compassionate thoughts to everyone directly affected by COVID19. Prayer and preparation mean such different things to different people. My imperfect faith understands prayer as holding people and situations in the light.

In every moment of human history there has been fear and suffering and, I believe, love, stewardship and courage.

I hope to make today as good as possible for my family and those around me and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Best wishes to all.

What a nice thread, such a relief from the doom and gloom. I too am trying to stay calm, not get carried along with the worst case scenarios seen in the press. We are prepared, trying to keep ourselves out of harm's way, but accept that there is only so much we can do. Also thinking with gratitude of the health workers having to deal with this every day, while no doubt worrying about their own families. While situations like this always brings out the profiteering scumbags and selfish twats, it's good to think of the many good people who are trying to make a difference.

I’m thinking particularly about people working in a healthcare role wherever they might be in their personal journey from life as usual to preparation to active work during sustained community transmission with social/ economic consequences.

I’m remembering the importance, backed by research evidence, that sleep is essential to protect immune function and hoping that, however challenging, all health workers dealing with this crisis are supported to sleep sufficiently so they do not become more susceptible to severe illness.

Love and gratitude to all.

I hope this isn't too gloomy, but it's important to think about, I think.

Over the last few days we've started to see the first UK deaths, and I've been thinking about the genuine possibility that some of us may not make it through this.

These are extraordinary times. Anyone who is so sick they need to go to hospital may not be cared for locally to home. Even if they are, I imagine access will be restricted and communication difficult.

I'm worried there may be a generation of children left traumatised in the wake of this virus because of parents and grandparents who were there one day and disappeared in an ambulance the next, never to be seen again. They may never even get the closure of a normal funeral if the death toll is very high.

I think it's really important to think about how to protect our young people from that trauma, as far as possible. My children are teens, so are able to understand and talk about what's happening, but knowledge, while important, doesn't address emotional needs.

I've been thinking that in the next week or two I will write each of my children a letter to open if the worst happens to me, to try and express my love and hopes for each of them and as something to hang on to after all this is over, as they try to make sense of what happened.

I accept it may be too maudlin for some, but I would really be interested to hear anyone else's thoughts about how we can try and mitigate the brutality that this virus feels as though it's bringing with it.

I love the book Lifetimes (link up thread) and your post RedLentilYellowLentil has made me open it. The first page says

“There is a beginning
and an ending for everything
that is alive.
In between is living”

and has a beautiful illustration of a nest with eggs.

I have some amber jewellery with a tiny frond preserved and my dinosaur loving son has collected fossils from Lyme Regis. Their lifetimes began and ended before human history.

I am remembering my grandmothers who both died several decades ago. I remember their love and how much they each meant to me. I hope when my lifetime ends those I love will remember me and my love for them.

Anticipatory grief often finds us when we are told of a terminal diagnosis.

I am finding music helps me take care of my emotions at the present time.

I am preparing myself for what lies ahead by taking time to pray, meditate and hold in the light all those people and situations I feel concerned about. I am smiling with compassion thinking of the many ways I fall short and mess up each day. Just for this moment I am feeling love for myself as a child of the universe and for all beings in all places and at all times.

Thank you @Neome. Your post reminded me of another book that explains death very beautifully for children, which is Old Pig by Margaret Wild. It was out of a print for a long time but has been reissued. It's desperately sad but also very uplifting.

I agree about music and meditation. Funnily, I'm not anxious about catching coronavirus, although I'm in a high risk group and need to be realistic and prepared, but I do have lots of other things in my life I'm anxious about!

Oh yes RedLentilYellowLentil Old Pig is lovely. I first came across it when I saw it read out on the Australian Version of PlaySchool. Wonderful and an absolute tearjerker. So glad to hear it’s been reissued.

Today I’m going to try and step away from worrying for a little while by taking DS outside and appreciating some flowers and blossom. I find gardening and growing things very calming. Indoors I’m going to soak some mung beans and lentils to see if we can grow any sprouts on kitchen roll.

In the last day or so I’ve been thinking about the doctors and nurses who have been told they will need to be ready to work outside their usual areas and do things very differently from the way they usually do. I know many are very concerned about what will unfold and what they will see and need to deal with.

I’m also thinking of all those like me and some of my family members facing difficult choices between protecting ourselves and our loved ones as best we can and being co-operative citizens following government advice to continue largely as usual.

We are a Gentle, Angry People and we are Singing, Singing for our Lives

The enormity of the situation is is bearing down upon more and more people. Many people are struggling to adjust their picture of the world and the immediate future. Many are digging deep for inner resources.

May we all find love and compassion for each other in these very difficult times.

Such a beautiful and kind thread. Namaste. I don’t know much about giving emotional support but if you all want some positivity, giggles, a shoulder to lean on at your difficult times and to share what we feel I am absolutely here.

To introduce myself, I am an Indian living in the U.K. and I’m a Hindu (so expect loads of philosophical rubbish from me when shtf) i love yoga but don’t know where to start because my muffin top prevents me to see my toes anyway (Nothing can stop me from practising yoga though- i stick to easy poses that involves lot of lying down) and I love meditation (except I don’t know if I am actually day dreaming or meditating). Here I am checking in (thank you for all those rolling their eyes to show your welcome, I am honoured 😀)

Thank you for that Sprayitall I’d love to learn more about a Hinduism.

I’m a rather lax Quaker (since childhood) with a side order of Anglicanism and spiritual/philosophical exploring. I’m of mixed race White British/Sri Lankan.

Today I’ve been particularly aware of younger adults whose parents are in the self isolating groups but aren’t necessarily acting on instructions.

I’m sending compassionate thoughts to all those families worrying about each other and how lives are being restricted.

I’m also thinking very much of the various people in government and key decision making roles who no doubt realise the seriousness of the situation and must be feeling very sad at times and powerless to protect everyone.

If you want to make God laugh, mention your plans. If you want to make God smile, ask what is required of you.

Wishing everyone a restful night.

Thank you everyone, I suddenly needed some comfort this morning after some very vivid and horrible dreams last night in which I was comforting people (complete strangers) who were ill. Some of these quotes are lovely.

Good morning y’all,
Let’s all start this day positively with learning. I am sharing what ever I learn that is helping me ascend the spiritual path as well as keeps me grounded during these hard times. For everyone their chosen path may be different. But what I feel is knowing and acknowledging that all the paths lead to the same destination is the first step towards knowledge and enlightenment. Practicing kindness comes next. I wish this quote brings a lot of calmness and knowledge to whoever reads this. “Sometimes not getting what you want or wish is the greatest blessing” - Lord Krishna

That's lovely and very helpful Sprayitall

Much love to all. The phrase "Let me be a channel of your peace" comes to mind.

Love to all those reaching out to help their neighbours.

Compassion to those who have not yet realised they are risking their lives and those they love.

Courage to those who do realise the risks they are taking and who are working with such dedication to care for the sick.

Hi ya ,
How are you all today.. just checking in as this thread was unusually quiet :) May be everyone meditating?

Hello Sprayitall perhaps we've all been taking a collective deep breath 🧘🏽‍♂️.

I'm going to need to dip into the spiritual well regularly. Some of my nearest and dearest are seriously ill with things other than covid-19 and their treatment and mental health in some cases is being severely affected.

Sending love and compassion to all. We are enough, you are enough, I am enough.

At the same time there are lovely people offering help and support.

@Neome Sending you lot of good vibes.. let’s all come out of this together soon. I can understand how difficult it should be now with this covid taking a toll on everyone’s mental health. Some are atleast fortunate enough not to worry about their finances but many like me are stuck in terms of uncertainty that causes even more mental stress. But believe me, one day this will become a distant memory and this day will pass. Always believe when you hit the rock bottom; there is only one way out and it’s upwards and towards a brighter future. Sending out lot of positive vibes x

Hi Sprayitall I hope you are well.

In a time of many difficult challenges I do feel grateful for small mercies, a phrase my granny often used. Some of those I love are very unwell and some are sufferings with extreme anxiety.

Wishing you and yours well, wherever you are 🌱

@Neome Yes ..do small things with great love is what my current mind set is. Sending you positive vibes. Stay safe x

I missed this thread first time round.
How lovely! It would be a nice one to keep going.

@ofwarren yes we are trying to keep it going so we will have somewhere to recharge when we need it the most.
The quote for today that I am working on is
“We have no rights to ask when a sorrow comes “why did this happen to me?” unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way”

I’m trying to be more thankful every day, love a bit more unconditionally, be less angry at situations, acknowledge often the amazing things that exists inside and outside. Spreading lots of love and positivity in this uncertain times. Have a lovely day x

I am doing my best to embrace 'be kind'.

The serious illness of two family members means I'm speaking to a lot of healthcare professionals and support staff every day. I am trying my utmost to let them know they are appreciated and to empathise with the very difficult job they are doing.

There are four tulips out in my tiny back yard 🌷🌷🌷🌷

@Neome Yes I have three bright yellow ones in my tiny yard too. They look lovely and the cherry tree is blooming. Something to cheer me up.

Still here, still praying and meditating. Sadly bereaved.

@Neome I’m sitting with you. I have seen and smelled and felt so much death lately. It changes every fibre of your being. Have the comfort of a virtual hand. 🌸