As I talk to people on the phone or by email and text I am hearing that one of the greatest struggles with these days of isolation is … boredom. People are posting on Facebook how many jigsaw puzzles they have put together, how much baking they have done, or how many pairs of socks they have knit. But I am finding that the initial enthusiasm for doing these things is starting to wane and people are longing for wider activity and socializing. Of course we can’t do that. It is unwise and unsafe for our selves and others. So what to do in these days of isolation which is starting to feel more like captivity?
I have noticed a few things that are positive about this time and we need to look to the positives when we are feeling stuck. Terry Waite was the assistant to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1980’s. In that capacity, he traveled to Lebanon to try to secure the release of hostages, He was kidnapped and held as a hostage for 1763 days. In his darkened cell he would watch for the daylight to come under the crack of the door to keep track of the passing of time. In a recent comment he has said we should all stop complaining! Then he gave some advice. “First , change your mindset – you are not stuck at home you are safe at home. Second, keep your dignity – get out of your pyjamas. Third, form a structure for the day. Fourth, be grateful for what you have – shelter, home, possessions. Fifth, read and be creative.” Good sound advice and I would add one more, pray for others. In this time of sheltering-in it is easy to spiral into a place of thinking only of our self if we are not careful. My addition to the above is spend time each day praying for other people. This can help spring you out of the cycle of self only.
It has been pointed out to me, by a city dwelling, apartment dwelling, relative just how fortunate I am because I live in a house with a large enough lot that I can stroll around. I live on a quiet street where I can walk with a very low risk of running into someone else. I can stroll outside and see my hyacinths poking through and my daffodils valiantly trying to break into bloom despite the snow and wind that keeps returning.
The other thing I have noticed is how much people are going to church these days. Hear me out. No one is actually ‘going to church’ but because most churches, ourselves included are putting services on YouTube or their Websites, people can watch numerous church services. One person emailed me saying, “We couldn’t go to our church for the service but we sat in our living room and watched 4 church services.” No, I am not expecting this time of separation to bring about a religious revival (!) but it is interesting to me to see how those interested in church and religious types like me, are getting to experience, enjoy and learn from many different leaders in the faith.
For me – I have learned how to Zoom, figured out Netflix, have good cupboard and fridge inventory, am starting my second puzzle, listening to my third audio book, have several things crossed off my long-standing “To Do” list and yes, I do get out of my pyjamas every day … maybe not first thing but always by mid-afternoon!!!! And I keep in touch with friends and family and regularly offer prayer for the many people who are experiencing hardships through all this. And when I feel bored – I count my blessings and remember, as our Creed states, “We are not alone”.
