Kindness when social distancing feels hard

We all know the reasons for social distancing/isolation and seen the adverts.  The stories and statistics are deeply sobering and worthy of every ounce of our collective effort.  It's something we have to do right now.  Many millions of us round the world are in this together.    And when I reflect on Ahimsa (yoga term for do no harm) we are all acting from the highest good for others and ourselves. Social distancing across continents is an incredible thing to do and takes super human effort.

 But social distancing isn't easy.  Out on my daily walk, any brief word from a distance seems to consist of people saying they are "fine".  In that typically British stoic way.   I have curiously heard  (on Zoom/phone) of people quite enjoying this enforced break.  And I started to wonder, is it just me struggling with this?

 And then the words of Brene Brown (vulnerability researcher) started to play in my mind:

 "We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering" (Brene Brown).


 Of course this can feel hard at times.  I felt tears down my cheeks every time I received another email with bits of my life being cancelled.  I cried each night before I went to sleep for the first week.  It felt like strands of grief pulling at my heart.  Finally, the Queen in her "address to the nation" on Sunday summed it up.  Separating from people is hard.  Video contact is great, but it isn't the same.

 Now is the time for kindness.  And for me, this might be just five minutes a day sitting on a cosy chair or my yoga mat where I notice how I'm feeling.   I might sense a whole lot of bundled up emotions.  And when I give these feelings some kindness, I feel more human again.

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