"Connection, not isolation" - a response to COVID-19
At this moment in time, we have been cast into new territory.
In many corners of the world people are being asked to step away from their offices, schools, and community gatherings. Events and activities are being suspended or canceled. In my corner of the world, we are not accustomed to slowing down and stepping away from the hurried pace of life. We are all being asked to take precautionary steps and participate in social distancing. How do we heed this advice and not get swept into the fear frenzy? How do we stay united while safely apart?
Last month a member of our community, Emmanuel, was experiencing periodic seven day lockdowns in his region of Cameroon in order to curb violence. No one was to leave their homes. Electricity was intermittent, at best. People lacked basic necessities and fear pervaded. Our Euphrates community reached out and embraced Emmanuel. After the most recent lockdown, Emmanuel told us that the prayers and outreach he received during the lockdown acted as an antidote to fear. He explained that in spite of the fear circling him, he used the time to be still and search for deeper repose and prayer. He came out of the lockdown strengthened.
What if we see this time as an opportunity to be still and feel our interconnectedness at a deeper level? What if we use this moment as Emmanuel did - a time to pause and reflect, and deepen our personal peace practice? If we listen, is there a message of peace to be heard?
Our global interconnectedness has been exposed and, as a result, we have been asked to hit the pause button. But we don’t have to hit the pause button on true connection and loving-kindness. As a good friend of mine recently wrote, "Connection, not isolation, is essential and now more than ever it’s important to offer practical care to our neighbors. In fact, small kindnesses may be the best antidote to fear right now..."
The Euphrates team extends our love to all of those who might feel a sense of isolation and fear. We invite you to feel the connection to our global family and stand in the river of peace flowing in this moment.
~With deep love and a more inspired connection to each of you~
Hollister