This month's post wasn't planned this way, but the unprecedented coronavirus situation has got me thinking about how we react to times of danger and uncertainty. In these times, with some much time at home and reflection, it's easy for all the stress, anxiety and worry about the future of the world to overwhelm us.
Like many others, the uncertainty of the health, social and economic impact of the pandemic has created stress and anxiety for me. I am one of the very lucky ones living in Australia with its strong health system and relatively developed safety net. I have a stable job and I can work from home. I have a house that comfortably have me and my partner working from home, and we have a backyard in which we can still enjoy the outdoors while being physically distant from others. I am an introvert so social distancing is nothing new for me. I am in reasonably good health so that I am hopefully low risk, and my parents, siblings, extended family and friends are reasonably safe. And yet, I still feel stress and anxiety. I really feel for those who are in much less favourable circumstances.
One of the things I'm really grateful for is that my workplace has been very good with the situation, being able to keep all of us employed, and emphasising that our health and wellbeing is its number one concern. One of the initiatives in our branch has been for a daily health and wellbeing tip be shared by the senior officers group, of which I am part of.
The tips have so been great so far, not just in terms of the tips themselves, but also in terms of it being a window into another person's soul and perspective. It's a type of social connection that is beyond simply saying hello (which is also good) and is something more deep and meaningful, which is the kind of social connection we introverts thrive on.
Before sharing my own tip below, I wanted to reflect on the similarities between coronavirus and climate change. Much has been said about how slowing down the economy will likely reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrates what can be achieved. Much has also been said about the similarities and differences between the political response to coronavirus and the response to climate change. What we have seen in the previous 4 months (initial reports, denial, acceptance, decisive action) is a super condensed version of how humanity reacts to new crises. Our reaction to the threat of climate change has been spread out for 4 or more decades instead of 4 months, and we have not even gotten to the decisive action stage yet.
If the politicians are sending our messages that our response to coronavirus is a marathon not a sprint, then what does that say about our response to climate change? That it will be a life-long journey, despite the crazy urgency of the threat.
In any case, the focus of health and wellbeing in response to coronavirus makes me want to reiterate the focus of health and wellbeing on our individual response to climate change. It is definitely a ultra-marathon, not a sprint, and we need to look after ourselves in this. Taking practical, productive, sustainable steps is useful. But we also need to take a break sometimes. Which leads me to the health and wellbeing tip that I contributed to my team just before the Easter long weekend, set out below. While it is directed at our response to coronavirus, I think it is equally applicable to our efforts to combat climate change.
Like many others, the uncertainty of the health, social and economic impact of the pandemic has created stress and anxiety for me. I am one of the very lucky ones living in Australia with its strong health system and relatively developed safety net. I have a stable job and I can work from home. I have a house that comfortably have me and my partner working from home, and we have a backyard in which we can still enjoy the outdoors while being physically distant from others. I am an introvert so social distancing is nothing new for me. I am in reasonably good health so that I am hopefully low risk, and my parents, siblings, extended family and friends are reasonably safe. And yet, I still feel stress and anxiety. I really feel for those who are in much less favourable circumstances.
One of the things I'm really grateful for is that my workplace has been very good with the situation, being able to keep all of us employed, and emphasising that our health and wellbeing is its number one concern. One of the initiatives in our branch has been for a daily health and wellbeing tip be shared by the senior officers group, of which I am part of.
The tips have so been great so far, not just in terms of the tips themselves, but also in terms of it being a window into another person's soul and perspective. It's a type of social connection that is beyond simply saying hello (which is also good) and is something more deep and meaningful, which is the kind of social connection we introverts thrive on.
Before sharing my own tip below, I wanted to reflect on the similarities between coronavirus and climate change. Much has been said about how slowing down the economy will likely reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrates what can be achieved. Much has also been said about the similarities and differences between the political response to coronavirus and the response to climate change. What we have seen in the previous 4 months (initial reports, denial, acceptance, decisive action) is a super condensed version of how humanity reacts to new crises. Our reaction to the threat of climate change has been spread out for 4 or more decades instead of 4 months, and we have not even gotten to the decisive action stage yet.
If the politicians are sending our messages that our response to coronavirus is a marathon not a sprint, then what does that say about our response to climate change? That it will be a life-long journey, despite the crazy urgency of the threat.
In any case, the focus of health and wellbeing in response to coronavirus makes me want to reiterate the focus of health and wellbeing on our individual response to climate change. It is definitely a ultra-marathon, not a sprint, and we need to look after ourselves in this. Taking practical, productive, sustainable steps is useful. But we also need to take a break sometimes. Which leads me to the health and wellbeing tip that I contributed to my team just before the Easter long weekend, set out below. While it is directed at our response to coronavirus, I think it is equally applicable to our efforts to combat climate change.
Thanks everyone for their health and wellbeing tips so far - it's been a pleasure to read :)
One practical tip is that I try not to read any COVID updates until later in the morning or lunchtime. When I do get to it, I try to start off with a good news story – I find the Guardian's 'The Good Place' has some positive stories for these times: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/the-good- place.
Also, I’ve been able to catch up on some books, and it’s led me to ask myself 'What Would Pooh Do?'. This comes from a funny book I’ve been revisiting called the Tao of Pooh, which re-interprets the Winnie the Pooh series through the lens of Taoism. Chapter 2 ('The Tao of Who?') is about how Winnie the Pooh personifies the 'Uncarved Block':
The essence of the principle of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. … This basic Taoist principle applies not only to things in their natural beauty and function, but to people as well. Or Bears. Which brings us to Pooh, the very Epitome of the Uncarved Block. …
As an illustration of the principle, he may appear a bit too simple at times, but no matter how he may seem to others, Pooh is able to accomplish what he does because he is simpleminded. As any old Taoist walking out of the woods can tell you, simpleminded does not necessarily mean stupid. It's rather significant that the Taoist ideal is that of the still, calm, reflecting 'mirror-mind' of the Uncarved Block, and it's rather significant that Pooh, rather than the thinkers Rabbit, Owl, or Eeyore, is the true hero of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner…
When you discard arrogance, complexity and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun. From the state of the Uncarved Block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet, the natural and the plain.
One thing I take from this is that, in the face of uncertain and complex challenges that disrupt our lives, it's good to take a breather to enjoy and be grateful for some simple things in our lives. This morning, I made a cup of tea and relished how it warmed me on a fresh Canberra morning. This afternoon, I'll eat some hot cross buns and watch my chickens, marveling at how their lives revolve around a few basic actions - eating, sleeping, pooping, laying and wondering whether or not they should cross the road. And in the future, when physical distancing is a 'distant' memory, I will enjoy the simple act of hugging someone. Peppering the day with a few of these time outs really helps me with dealing with stress or anxiety. This is really just a long way of saying ‘stop and smell the roses’.
Finally, to add to our pet photo collection, attached is a photo of our 2 Golden Girls, Blanche and Rose, going to town on a pile of leaves, caused by cockatoos decimating the neighbour’s elm tree. Blanche is the lighter one and is more adventurous, leading the way, while Rose is the darker one and the one more likely to get caught in a net. My partner and I have yet to decide which one of us are the remaining Golden Girl characters, Dorothy and Sophia.
Hope everyone has a great long weekend :) We all deserve it!
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