The following is by Dave Pasinski who has served as chaplain at our vigils at the Peacemaker's Sanctuary. It was posted on Syracuse.com

10 ways to lift your spirits in time of coronavirus (Commentary)

Dave Pasinski, of Fayetteville, has served for 25 years as a chaplain at different health institutions, and for 28 years in mental health disaster services crisis intervention.

By Dave Pasinski

Whatever our “ spiritual orientation” — or none at all — we know how our “spirits” as humans are struggling as the coronavirus crisis just begins to unfold and we face weeks, if not months, of extremely changed routines and activities. While this is first and foremost a health crisis and we must adhere to medical advice, we know it is also an economic one for so many, a deeply disorienting emotional one for all, and that these dimensions combine to diminish our coping resources. We need to find personal ways to sustain us individually and together at this time.

During the crisis of 9/11, many of us flocked to churches or other civic events for mutual support. That is not our option right now, and that is a major loss as we can feel very isolated.

It is not just the most reasonable fear of illness for ourselves or loved ones, but anxiety about the various dimensions of serious financial sustenance for many, educational challenges for all students, and the myriad of events, meetings, interpersonal relationships that are now changed with acute personal pain.

There is surely no one or definitive way of dealing with all of this in this ongoing and yet-to-peak crisis.

Nevertheless, these following 10 suggestions may be helpful to our spirits that are under attack in ways that we have truly never experienced before.

1. You may well not be able to “keep calm,” but you can take three deep breaths when you feel those often or expected anxieties. Try it right now.

2. Ask “What can I do right now?” Now. Right now. Do something physical and tactile — wash your hands thoroughly, then go wash your face. Feel the hot or cold water. Let yourself really feel it. And, of course, wash your hands!


3. ”My mind is racing! I’m worried about ... I must ... Why don’t they? ... What will happen if?”

Sit down. Take a pen and write down something. It may be those thoughts, or just a word, or some lines or circles or a rough drawing. Stop after after a few minutes and see what you’ve done. What does it tell you about how you’re living this moment?

4. Who can you call to mind to “send” thoughts (and prayers, if you wish) who may particularly need support? Think of them right now. If desirable and possible, call or send them a text right now.

5. Can you go outside? If so, do it. Whether it’s for a just moment or a longer walk, go outside and take in the air, being conscious of your breaths, of the surroundings, of greeting others from a safe distance. If you cannot go out, can you look out a window and imagine being there.

6. Sit quietly ... and realize that you are human, with a mind and spirit, but also limited as a finite creature. You do not have the control of your life that perhaps you thought you did just last week. Think about that and accept it. For some, this may evoke a movement toward prayer or support from some spiritual writing ... or tears. Accept them.

7. Ask: Is there anything that I can do to help someone else? This is not to put myself or them at risk, but is there something simple that would be helpful to anyone else at this time? Think about it . Do it.

8. Nothing is going to make everything OK. However, with thoughtful reflection, thoughts of “loving kindness” toward all others, and a “one step-enough for me” approach, perhaps we can share common support at this most trying time.

9. For many, a simple repetition of the serenity prayer can be a great resource. (“God, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”)

10. What works personally for you? You are challenged to come up with your own very personal way of coping which is consistent with your spiritual journey. What would you add or what would be one thing that you think you could do to help yourself at this time?

May this stimulate your own mind and help you to cope and know that somehow, at some point, our nation will come through this.