Pandemic prescriptions
We spend some time recently in one of our Zoom church gatherings asking the question: “What are you doing that is stimulating you, supporting you or nurturing you?” This question has taken on a greater significance now that we Melburnians have gone into COVID-19 lockdown Mk. 2.
One person spoke about the stimulation that has come from reading Hugh Mackay’s book, ‘Beyond Belief’ and the fascinating perspective gained through looking at faith in Australia through different eyes.
One regular listener of the ABC Radio National programme spoke enthusiastically about the ‘Grandma Benches of Zimbabwe’, a programme that has trained 500 grandmothers to listen to people tell their story of loss, trauma and anxiety. This amazing programme that arose in Zimbabwe, where there are fewer than 20 psychiatrists in a population of over 14 million people, made us think that we ordinary people can be a wonderful resource for those struggling with the strains of living amidst the coronavirus.
One person is loving the sculptures she is encountering on her regular walks, like this commemorative sculpture of midwives and mission, which stands near the corner of Elm Street and Curzon Street, North Melbourne.
Another person had blown the dust off a book of poems penned by John Keats. These five lines whetted our appetite to read more and take time to delight in beautiful things:
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Others found that regularly connecting with friends and family overseas during the coronavirus pandemic, triggered a wave of care and the insight that things here at home weren’t as bad as they thought.
We picked the eyes out of the 19th Psalm, which reminds us that “the law of the Lord…revives the soul…rejoices the heart…enlightens the eyes” and brings all our senses alive.
It’s OK to feel ordinary, jaded, fatigued and in need of reviving. The writers of Scripture speak honestly with words that give voice to our lament but also give us a lift.
So many liberating ideas for lockdown! The sharing of these stories and the thoughtful reflections lifted our spirits and calmed our minds.
Geoff Pound