Archives for April 2020

This question has been really important. As so much changes, I find myself reaching for things that are constant. What we count as constant will vary greatly from person to person, but I think we might be pleasantly surprised by some of the things that have not changed in the midst our situation.

Here’s a list of constant things that I’ve started to compile for myself:

1. My worldview and values
2. My physical environment
3. Many of my relationships
4. My actual ability to dance (regardless of space and tools)
5. My ability to learn

I’m planning to keep this list handy, to add to it, and reflect on it. many of the things on this list are gifts to be grateful for.

What would you put on your list?

Yesterday, I wrote out a list of the questions that I’ve been asking myself. I thought it might be beneficial to dive a little deeper into each one, so we can see the thinking behind them. The questions we ask ourselves are important. They express how we are framing of the challenges we see. Understanding the goal of a particular question will help us ask better questions, and be extension, get better answers.

What have I taken on?

With everything shifting so quickly, I recognized that my responsibilities shifted as well. Instead of the normal organizational calendar at work, a new one with new priorities had suddenly been thrust upon me. Instead of a stable performance schedule, I was now back to the drawing board for at least a month or two.

When I ask myself this question, “What have I taken on?” I’m trying to get to the new list of priorities, the new list of top responsibilities, and drill down to the new list of daily tasks.

My daily habits from days past may fight me. However, if I can recognize that I’ve already taken on these new priorities, and give words to them, maybe I can adapt more quickly.

What have you taken on?

A dramatic shift in context begs a response. We’ve all experienced so many sudden changes recently and I’m sure had many responses to the new normal we are experiencing.

As challenging as it seems, we may be able to frame this as one big learning cycle. We have the introduction of new information, the new rules (of the game), and new ways of operating. We have our responses to the newness.

We need a feedback loop – that is a way to see what and how our responses are affecting the situation.

For this we can use a combination of outside sources and self-reflection.

For outside sources, I’ve made it a point to be in touch with folks who have experienced hard times in their life (war, depression, etc.). Also, people who began living in physical isolation/quarantine before I did. Since communication is still available (in somewhat miraculous ways) these conversations are a way for me to check my thinking, stay in relationship with people I know, trust, and care about, and compare notes.

Self-reflection may be more challenging, especially in times of stress, but no less valuable. It hinges on carving out time, even 10-15minutes, and consciously asking ourselves a few simple questions. Here are the questions I’ve been asking in recent days:

1. What have I taken on? What specific things am I carrying that are new in my life? This helps me recognize how I have (unknowingly) changed.
2. What can or has remained the same as everything is changing? This helps me recognize what’s still “normal.”
3. What opportunities do I have to do things differently? This helps me recognize what opportunities exist.
4. What do I need to do for the sake of today? This helps me focus on immediate needs.
5. What do I need to do thinking about one week from now? one month? This helps me think about the longer term.

My hope is that some of these questions help us think through these times in ways that are edifying.

Do have questions you’ve been carrying?

Many are sheltering at home now.

Be thankful if home is a safe place – with just enough resources for those who are sheltering together.

Have compassion on those for whom home is not a safe place; for those who being alone is a struggle (even without social isolation mandates); for those who have no home in which to shelter.

Home is not always the utopia we expect it to be. Be thankful for what we have. Have compassion for those who don’t.

Today I’m thinking of all the folks who are working essential jobs. Jobs without which our food, health, and energy systems (among others) would grind to a halt. Jobs without which, we wouldn’t be able to shelter at home with such peace. If you have anyone in your life who is in such a position, why not drop them a note of encouragement?

Letting them know that they are seen, and how grateful we are for them, might just be the boost they need to get through their day.