Today, for some reason, I am feeling the weight of this pandemic more than ever -- a friend shared their elderly friend tested positive, a member of a neighboring church went to the hospital with fever (roommate is positive), a rehab center in the neighborhood has had more than 10 COVID related deaths, the jails, the nursing homes and the list goes on.
If you, like me, are feeling down and sad about all this -- know that it is OK to feel that! The fatigue and feelings are real! And, it is OK to express the feelings to someone so they can be processed in a helpful way.
I know many of us are trying to keep up with friends and family through FaceTiming, Zoom calls and social media -- which also is causing some fatigue. I read an article this morning, that reminded me that zoom chats are exhausting.
The article suggests that, being on a video call requires:
more focus,
work harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, and body language,
use more energy to stay attentive.
So, what do we do? The two experts, quoted in the article suggest:
Limiting video calls to those that are necessary.
Turning on the camera should be optional (personally I prefer to see faces)
Having your screen off to the side, instead of straight ahead, could also help your concentration (I am going to try this one, but only when I am not calling the meeting), particularly in group meetings. It makes you feel like you’re in an adjoining room, so may be less tiring.
Taking time during meetings to catch up before diving into business (I like that).
Building transition periods in between video meetings can also help refresh us – try stretching, having a drink or doing a bit of exercise (let’s work on that),
Boundaries and transitions are important.
Beloved, please be gentle with yourself! We are all doing the best we can. And we do not need to prove anything to anyone. Let us stay connected and take care of each other. Let us be honest with ourselves and only do what we can. Taking care of our bodies, our feelings and our souls is necessary! We hope you will stay connected with us through any, or many, of these church offerings:
Worship on Sundays at 11:00 am- joining by phone- call 312 626 6799- Meeting ID: 489 148 569 and Password: 290727 or https://zoom.us/j/489148569?pwd=bFkyZE1IbWpheGdtMzZFRitHZ09jQT09(Note that we start at 10:30 am to give time to folx to visit and to troubleshoot for anyone having difficulties with logging in.)
Beloved, none of us alive have been through anything of this magnitude before. We are all learning to do new things or same things in a new way. We are all learning! We are all struggling! Let us continue to be mindful of that and pray together for all those who are working hard to find a cure for this virus. Let us all do our part -- by continuing to stay home, stay safe and stay well.
May God give all of us the strength we need for each day.
And remember, I am always your partner in justice and in ministry,
