There is something about the colours in this image that really make me feel calm and serene.
I wonder if many of us can do with something that helps us to connect more deeply with those feelings as the Covid situation continues with its attendant uncertainties.
Are you feeling the positives at the moment – thinking that we are beginning to get back to some kind of normal?
Or are you still feeling anxious and a little wary about how to manage?
For example, to wear a mask or not wear a mask, if wearing one, when to wear a mask, what are the quietest times to go shopping etc.
When I’m feeling anxious, I find that a good way to help me manage any conflicting feelings is to look at an image like this one whilst listening to a favourite piece of music. This might be instrumental piano music or a specially loved song whose words I know by heart that mean something when I hear it. This can really be a useful way to help enhance that feeling of calm, taking a few minutes just to be present in the space the music and image create. Not allowing myself to focus on any of the thoughts that occasionally try to break into my moments of peace; acknowledging them and letting them go so that my focus returns to the colours and the musical notes or words of the song. I often like piano music or pan pipes for this and I see from the amount of videos uploaded to YouTube with calming music and beautiful images that I am not alone in finding a sense of peace in this type of activity.
What are the activities that bring you a sense of peace at the moment? Do you take a little time out of each day to soothe yourself, to allow yourself to experience a small oasis of calm in the midst of life as it swirls and changes around you?
If talking would help to explore ways of fostering a sense of peace and calm in your lifestyle MitE chaplains are always happy to listen.
You can usually find one wandering around the duck pond and surrounding areas on Mondays and Wednesdays (on the days when the weather is dry enough for people to want to be outdoors for a while at lunchtime). If, however, you don’t manage to catch up with one of us outside, 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.
Debbie
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
If you prefer you can easily keep in touch with us on social media: Facebook: @mitechaplaincy Twitter: @mitesthwarr
Image by Quino Al on unsplash.com