In these times of social distancing it was never more important for us to find ways to stay connected to our own needs and to keep reaching out to give love, stay connected and see how others are coping… There was a great segment on Radio National this morning where people were asked to call in and share what is keeping them sane and relatively fear free at the moment… People were sharing their various survival strategies, bush walking, creating new recipes, exercising and meditating to guided You Tube videos or phone apps, getting involved in beading, art and other crafts, making an extra effort to reach out and connect via the phone and social media, one woman was revisiting her 200 strong long play record collection.
Today I had my therapy session with Kat on the phone down by the lake. I went and got myself a coffee and then drove to that special spot and was pleased to see others out on their kayaks, one man was swimming and another man parked near to me while I was talking to Kat and after folding down the side of his ute and sat looking out on the water eating a banana….While I was on the phone my sister texted me showing me a tri fold photo frame she had found in Mum’s garage with a photo of my mother and father on one side and of their wedding in 1941 in the centre.. This time a year ago my sister was in high level psychiatric care and was phoning no one.
Kat said she too is finding doing phone sessions hard.. She is not used to working remotely but did this to keep her patients safe.. I could have kept bemoaning the situation and truth be told I don’t enjoy sessions not being face to face but I am glad I still have the option.. .Kat’s feeling is that if things go on much longer a lot of her clients may drop away and the government counselling service she was providing has been cut.. Its tough times for so many.
Anyway the sun is out right now. Jasper is snoozing.. Simon turned up today to walk him undeterred by even harsher restrictions here in Australia.. no gatherings of more that 2 people unless you are with family. I am feeling better today, more positive.. Its not the end of the world although social distancing has stirred up old wounds.. I know now that the past it the past as far as my relationships are concerned.. I am not as scared of people as I was due to my traumatic relational past with so much deep attachment trauma…The connections I am making now are deep and very real and Kat seems to feel that as someone who has, over the past 20 years got used to spending a lot of time diving inwards I am going to be well placed to be there for those who find being alone and with themselves challenging…
Today is a good day and I am so grateful for that. Last night during the Prime Minister’s announcement of even tougher measures (including being told we are now no longer ‘allowed’ to browse in shops) got me yelling at the TV again….Anyway as long as I have nature, Jasper and my sister as well as myself as a best friend. I am going to be okay…Nature is loving us being more relaxed and putting less pollution into the atmosphere and many were sharing they are enjoying the down time…We are all finding ways to survive, still my heart goes out to those who are faring worse and may not have those loving familial or relational connections.. I am always here to talk if you need a friend.
Emerging From The Dark Night 