You Are Not Alone

The coronavirus has left us vulnerable, frightened and spinning without any ground—but we can practice self-care to restore ourselves and bring balance to our emotional state.

- Jo Mooy

“Chaos shakes up the mission of the righteous.” The quote, found in an old journal, could have been a headline for these days of lingering uncertainty. Six months ago the “mission” was so clear and our endeavors so very “righteous.” All over the world, people were linking hearts and hands in various causes to bring love and light to the planet. We were sure of our collective destiny and we were firm in our commitment to its success.

That was before a virus descended like a thunderbolt out of clear blue skies, creating an unprecedented new normal. It shattered all sense of safety and resolve. It leftus vulnerable, frightened and spinning without any ground. We’re a social species, needing to see, touch, hug and talk with others. We can’t do that anymore because distancing is part of the new normal.

Six months into the pandemic I sensed a seismic change in the attitudes of different groups on social media. Individuals who were normally bright and cheerful were now sullen or angry. I polled one group with 108 members, asking: “How is everyone doing?” Within a few hours 80 responded to the question. A few said they were fine. Most were not okay, which was a refreshingly honest assessment on how they were dealing with the unfamiliar pandemic.