In Uncharted Territory

Stay Connected

“Any time our lives change, we want and need to know what to do next. Uncertainty is nerve wracking…Chaos wakes up our vulnerabilities, among them our need to be connected to a network or community of people we know and love.”

Caroline Myss (Caroline’s Blog, “How do I even begin to address the epic we are living together?”)

          Birmingham went on “shelter-in-place” late yesterday afternoon because of the rapid spread of the corona virus here. At the same time, we were under threat of severe thunderstorms with possible tornados. We are all living through uncharted territory and we are, of course, getting mixed messages from our leaders. Some people listen to the president, who says we should open the country and get on with life, and some believe the medical professionals who say we should continue social distancing and stay at home. As for me, I believe the scientists; I’m staying put. But it’s disconcerting when the messages are mixed for those of us out here in the public, and certainly for our medical establishment who are in the trenches without enough equipment. We feel flummoxed as well as vulnerable. It is as though there is no solid ground beneath our feet. I wonder whether you feel this way, too.

Two nights ago, I dreamed about taking my mother to a movie. She was a little old lady on a walker. In the middle of trying to find seats for us in a dark theater, I lost my mother. Frantically, I searched everywhere for her, becoming more and more upset. I was ever so glad to wake from that dream, which was of course, about me and my vulnerability. Now, I’m a little old lady—a designation I greatly resist—and as such am in the target population for this virus. Since I was in denial about it, the dream-maker had to show me what was true. She’ll slap you awake if she needs to!

 When we find ourselves in such unsettling situations, it becomes more important than ever for us to stay connected to our friends and loved ones. Having a community of people who care about each other is the difference between having a safety net and being in free fall. I have been trying to stay connected by phone to my circle of friends and by text with my sons. Caroline Myss has started a virtual rosary circle; on Thursdays people submit their prayer requests, and on Fridays at 3:00 CDT, they pray the rosary, each of them in their respective places. That is both a way to connect with others and to put the collective power of their prayers into action for the purpose of healing.

          Since we are all in new territory with this virus and no one truly knows what may come next, we need to virtually join hands and hearts and send our love to each other and to the world at large. Especially to the doctors and nurses and all the other medical folks who are dealing with the coronavirus face to face. If you are a praying person, as I am, there is no better time than now to get on your knees and pray. And while you’re at it, ask for understanding and guidance; pray for our leaders from the local level to the top of the heap. May they come together and speak with one sane and compassionate voice for the good of the people. Amen.

                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                  Jane