Social and Distancing are two words I simply cannot get used to using in the same sentence.
Social means: Needing companionship. Relating to activities in which people meet each other for pleasure.
Distancing means: The condition of being far off, remoteness. The avoidance of familiarity; aloofness or reserve. Make someone far off or remote in position or nature. Declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of someone or something.
How can we be really connected and build new relationships or strengthen and nurture old ones?
Plain and simple it hurts. Yes, I said it. It hurts me. However, since I know and you know we are not alone in how it “feels, what can we do?
Well, feelings are always trying to get us off-kilter in one way or another. If we understand this and know this to be true, then we can “wait well” until it changes for and in our society. What does “waiting well” mean? It means: remind yourself you are not alone at all. There are many others that long for a healthy connection to return. You miss others and they miss you. Treat others like that. Even if they have a mask on.
Patience is of the utmost importance. Without it there is more and more anger and disrespect everywhere we go. I personally see it; the arguments over the smallest thing. And of course, if you know me, you know that I step right in to mediate and calm people down. I am mostly successful quite honestly. But this method is not for everyone.
The thing is the more people are separated the more forgetful they become in how to treat others with kindness, respect, compassion, and concern. Sadly, I have had conversations with those who actually LIKE wearing a mask. They said it is a great hiding place. WHAT!
We do not need to lose social skills in how to relate to John Q. Public; aka, the common man. I have seen these skills on a spiral over the last few years and I do think most of us were getting a bit tired of unhealthy and rude communication. If people communicated at all! So here we are with COVID-19 and the “social distancing” protocol.
I DO NOT BELIEVE WE HAVE TO GET USED TO A NEW NORMAL!!!!
Relationships are not something I am willing to downsize or do without or dismiss as unnecessary. And above all it is not humanely beneficial for anyone. I do not believe in the acceptance of something that is not favorable to our wellbeing. WE NEED EACH OTHER BIG TIME!!
Regarding the Corona Virus; be considerate and use wisdom. Do not be mean, rude, or thoughtless. Everyone you talk to or speak critical of is a family member to someone else. JUST LIKE YOU ARE. Put into practice what you learned in kindergarten; Treat others how you would like to be treated. By all means do not forget what it is like to be treated with kindness! Try not to be someone who creates more emptiness.
To some degree befriend others like they are part of your family that you just met for the first time. Begin kindness in your own backyard and extend the courtesy from there. It will flow like living water.
I believe that sooner than later we will remember who we are supposed to be. Then we will recognize that kindred spirits are amazing.
Please remember these are my thoughts in this hour. If they are meaningful to you or cause you to think about others with a new perspective, then good. If you cannot relate to them, that is okay also.
God bless you as you navigate this path, we are all on.
John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said,
From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.