It feels like it’s every man for himself these days. Our enemy is microscopic and has us divided into small groups preventing the linking arms and standing closer than 6 feet. In this surreal space, it is hard not to want to cry at the drop of a hat. Thankfully, we are not alone and we can help those on the front lines with our prayer.
Instead of diving headlong into things that normally bring us comfort like a bag of Pepperidge Farm Mint Milanos, what if we did more of what fuels our souls?
When our souls are nourished, it is easier to love, live in peace, and live authentically as who we are. The busyness of our everyday lives has worn us down. As Pope Francis recently shared, “We deprive ourselves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity.” We now have the opportunity to nourish ourselves and our souls in this unexpected time of rest.
If you are struggling to make sense of this pandemic, nurturing your soul may bring you the comfort you need to navigate your new normal.
Caring for Your Soul to Process the Pandemic
Journal your prayers.
I find Scriptures to journal about here. If you want to know more about the how-to of prayer journaling, I created a process after years of distraction and discouragement in my own prayer life. You can find out more and purchase it here.
Schedule some creativity into your day.
Here is somewhere to go to watch videos and learn how to draw flowers. You could also cook a new dish, break out the watercolors, or redecorate a bookshelf.
Invite Jesus into your emotions.
Name how you are feeling and invite Jesus to sit with you in those emotions. Feelings are neither good nor bad in and of themselves. Inviting Jesus into your emotions keeps them from overwhelming you.
Hunt for what sparkles.
Take a walk outside and see what catches your eye. Ponder the God of Love Who created the flowers, birds, and trees. When something catches your eye, pray for all who are working on the front lines of the pandemic to keep us safe, for the victims, and for all leaders.
Listen to uplifting music.
Cook or bake with intention.
Become aware of the creativity of God in food. Allow your mind to wander as you cook or bake and think about how much love was put into creating food that nourishes and sustains our body. This same Love nourishes your soul.
Listen to or read an encouraging podcast or sermon.
I loved the Pope’s Urbi et orbi Message. There are so many uplifting podcasts and youtube videos available.
Participate in communal prayer.
Although we are temporarily separated by the quarantine, we can still pray together virtually. Consider participating in a Mass or service online during the week. A friend in New York City invited me to participate in virtual worship with her at her church Redeemer East Side. I normally don’t visit other people’s church services. Having more time and no distance barrier has been a blessing.
Pass the Peace to someone else.
Text a friend a word of peace or a prayer. When it came time to pass the peace in our virtual service with Redeemer, Dr. Cho encouraged everyone to text a word of peace to someone else. It warmed my heart when my friend sent me a message of peace.
Connect with an elder you love.
My friend Elaine has been caring for her parents from a distance and recently gave great advice about how to connect virtually in the midst of separation. Conversations with people we love fuel our souls and theirs as well.
Start or add to your gratitude list.
As with all soul care activities, anything that reminds us of the great love and mercy of God is beneficial to our health.
I would love to know what you are doing to comfort and care for your soul in this time of togetherness.