Finding peace in times of chaos


 

 “And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.” So begins the now viral poem by Kitty O’Meara, who is said to have written it to cope with anxiety surrounding the coronavirus lockdown she knew was imminent, and the feelings of hopelessness that arose from this anticipation.


 

Being alone is not easy for everyone. Granted, we all like our lazy days and our time relaxing at home, but enforced solitude is something that causes many to fear for their mental health, their peace of mind, and their productivity. Though coronavirus is exposing injustice between those who can and cannot access medical care, and subjecting large masses of people to needless suffering, it is in trying times that humanity is given a chance to reflect on itself, and to decide how we will choose to respond to a crisis. That is why the chaos of panic buying and the breakdowns in communication have been particularly stressful for people grappling with current events - as humans our instinct should be to pull together, not to pull apart. Physical isolation really does not have to mean social isolation.


 

At times like these it is useful to look to our past. Spanish flu, one of the epidemics most similar to covid 19 in terms of infectiousness, occured during world war 1, at a time of comparatively worse poverty and little time or resources for medical attention, planned lockdown or effective quarantining. For those who are privileged enough to be able to access healthcare and feel protected from the coronavirus, it is paramount that we appreciate how blessed we are. 


 

Beyond just the physical, there are also mental strengths to be gained from quarantine and social distancing. Later in her poem, Kitty O’Meara says “Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed” If we allow ourselves to be still, to breathe and to invest in some self discovery and enrichment of our minds in between all the chaos of confinement, maybe we can reach a greater understanding with each other as people. Could we find comfort both in solitude and company without feeling anxious or confrontational?


 

Personally, I am finding social distancing an uneasy but nevertheless meditative experience, and trying to find ways each day to help myself and others get through it comfortably, making plans for when quarantine is over. It may not be ideal, but what else have we got?

Bonnie Diver