You will have heard the news this evening that we must stay home for the next two weeks at least until Easter to try to reduce the number of Corona virus cases that are ending up in hospital. Intensive care units are under pressure as it is and are likely to be overwhelmed if the numbers continue to rise. So we must take personal responsible and act in the way that is best for everyone and stay home. Yes we can only go out for food and medicine and some exercise, but when you think about what our health workers are doing, it is not too much to expect us to support them in whatever way we can. And yes it is hard that families are being separated at this time and grandparents cannot see and hug their grandchildren but in the long run it means they will be able to do that at some stage in the future.
So how can we best get through this time of isolation and worry especially if you are on your own, as many people are? There have been many hints and tips online over the past weeks about how to look after yourself – all very sensible like trying to keep to a schedule, eating properly, getting some exercise every day, doing some relaxation/meditation, getting plenty of sleep etc. All of these are really useful and it will sustain us if we can adhere to them as much as possible.
For myself, I dont know how I would cope mentally and emotionally if I didnt have faith – faith in something greater than myself that sustains me and keeps me balanced and rooted, especially in these times when I might otherwise feel like giving in to despair or extreme worry. Im not saying I dont ever feel worry – I do, and anxiety about the future at times but faith has taught me to live one day at a time, to hand it over to God (there’s nothing I can do to fix it!) and to look for ways to keep myself rooted in that relationship through regular prayer and quiet time (and also very little watching of bad news videos and continuous news channels!) I have certain twitter accounts that I follow and other newsletters that I have signed up to – all positive, spiritual and offering hope and encouragement. I also try to reach out to parishioners every day either through phone calls, working on this blog or putting information and resources up on our parish website www.malahideparish.ie or @malahideparish (Twitter) or on our facebook page Malahide Parish of St. Sylvester
