With Thanksgiving this week it is a good time to think of all the blessings which come into our lives each and every day. Even in the midst of a ten-month long global pandemic, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty, we are blessed beyond measure, and it is through our prayers of gratitude that we can begin to become aware of the great need before us as we pray for healing for all of us in spirit, mind, and body, as well as for healing and peace in our homes, our streets, throughout the nation and the world. For many of us this Thanksgiving will be different than in the past. Many are afraid to travel --- even across town – to be with family and friends. Whatever you do, or cannot do, do it with a spirit of gratitude and generosity. As Christians we are infused with hope, and hope is the constant and necessary remedy for fear.
We are most fortunate to still be able to say that the school is going well, and in this area we are most blessed. We will be taking a precautionary virtual break after Thanksgiving to allow things to calm down after the holidays. School will be virtual, though some students will be virtual in the building, until December 7th. We made this decision several weeks ago in light of all that is going on.
Recognizing the increased stress and anxiety among the members of the staff of the school and the parish, we had a stress relief workshop this past Thursday. Dr. Kathleen M. Leo, a Matawan-based psychotherapist, worked with the teachers, aides, and other members of the parish staff – including Father JM and myself – to have an opportunity to share our concerns and develop strategies for handling the stresses that come with working in this time of covid. Certainly nothing was solved in ninety minutes, but the conversation opened and some insight was attained.
It is our concern here that everyone is taking the steps for good self-care. Many of us are already afflicted with Seasonal Affected Disorder to one degree or another, and the various social, familial, economic, health, and personal struggles being exacerbated during this time will serve to only make things worse.
So, a few thoughts:
· Pray – start with gratitude and then reflect on your concerns and fears – and always ask for the grace to find healing and peace.· Stay connected – even if you are fearful or reticent to meet up with relatives and friends keep in touch. One of the great gifts of the technology age is the multiple resources available to stay connected. If you live alone, make sure you are speaking to people each day.
· Develop and foster old hobbies or develop new ones. Find something to do that you enjoy – puzzles, movies, games, reading, etc.· Turn off the television, especially the 24-hours news banter. Too many voices, too much noise, too much fear and vitriol. Limit your scope on the news to local matters and go back to just an evening news broadcast. Then, do something else.
· Listen to music – especially if alone – allow something to fill your mind other than your own negative thoughts.· Avoid unnecessary conflict – we are all on edge, make the most of avoiding situations where you are likely to be upset or to upset someone else.
· Stay safe – know your limits, maintain healthy boundaries, social distancing, and wearing the mask. It may be uncomfortable but it helps others to feel safe as well. We are all only as safe as is the least careful among us.
With good habits, and attentiveness, we will manage this together.