“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud”
Maya Angelou
Such a wise lady who had experienced so much difficulty in early life and yet managed to turn that around and go on to achieve so much and then also uplift and support others.
This quote feels particularly relevant at the moment because there is so much negativity, sorrow and frustration around us. It’s hard to ‘see the wood for the trees’ some days and yet: have you ever noticed how, when you try to find something positive to say to help someone else it makes you feel lighter and brighter even if only for a moment or two?
As chaplains our aim is to help people find that lightness within themselves and yet as humans there are times when we also struggle with what’s happening around us.
Sometimes it’s enough to share that space, to own it together and acknowledge that it’s ok to grieve a little for the things that we are losing. The missed time with family members who don’t live with us, the worry of the future workwise and the fear that grows for some of us with each new reported growth in the number of cases.
Being a rainbow in someone else’s cloud, sometimes means just being willing to listen and acknowledge their fears, thoughts, concerns in a way that says they are valid, but remembers that they are not all there is. There is also hope and where there is hope, there is light. Behind every cloud there is a rainbow waiting to appear. As Maya says, try to let that rainbow be you when you meet someone who is experiencing a cloudy day. They will usually return the favour ten-fold. Gratitude often works like that.
I’m always happy to swap thoughts on this on Thursday lunchtimes somewhere within the Engine rooms. Look out for my blue chaplains fleece and please come say hello. It’s not possible for me to wander around in the Engine Rooms due to social distancing but I’ll try to find an obvious space where it will be easy for you to stop and chat to me a little on your way in or out.
As always you can contact us via email on info@mitechaplaincy.com where you can request a call-back, or you are very welcome to call me directly on my mobile: 07526 378529 either to chat or to arrange a time to meet.
We also have a range of resources on our web-site including some that are more specific to the Covid-19 outbreak and some that help in dealing with stress: https://mite.org.uk
You can also keep in touch with us on social media:
Facebook: @mitechaplaincy
Twitter: @mitesthwarr
