What are you spreading?

The news and numbers change daily. More cases. More closings and cancellations. More deaths.

On social media we read everything from scientific information to false remedies, from reasoned responses to political grandstanding and conspiracy theories.

Let’s be honest, it can all be pretty overwhelming.

Besides practicing good hygiene and limiting physical contact, how do we respond?

What I offer here are a few small steps we can all take to take care of ourselves, those we love, and the larger global community we call humanity.

Love your neighbor. First and foremost, lead with love. While there is nothing wrong with respectful dialogue and disagreement about information, policies, and directives, can we all agree to stop attacking those we disagree with? There is enough suffering going on in the world. Don’t add to it.

Reach out to those who might be feeling lonely. Call a family member who lives alone. Text or email a friend you haven’t talked to recently. FaceTime someone and share a smile. While we must exercise caution and wisdom with regards to physical proximity, our technology offers numerous ways to safely stay connected.

Find ways to help others.

Support local businesses (such as restaurants) who are struggling right now. This will pass and we will resume normal social activities. In the meantime, help those we often take for granted while we sit at their tables and enjoy the services they provide.

Be extra patient and kind to those around you. There are many people I worked alongside in the restaurant industry who have suddenly lost their income. So many people’s source of income disappeared without warning. Countless others are feeling some financial impact. You may be among those I’m describing. Financial stress causes fear, anger, and a host of other emotions. You don’t know what might be fueling someone’s behavior. Shine light into darkness; don’t add fuel to the fire.

If you are able, find somewhere to serve. Food banks and other organizations are looking for volunteers as they seek to serve those in need. Older, retired people usually account for a significant amount of volunteer hours and they are currently staying home to protect their health. Help fill the gaps.

Make sure you laugh. While this global pandemic is disrupting everyone’s life, we need to take time to experience some joy. That will certainly be easier for some than others, but we all need to take care of ourselves. Part of that self-care is laughter. Watch a funny movie, listen to a comedian, play a game, share jokes, or do whatever else makes you smile. While we need to take this situation seriously, we don’t need to stop laughing and smiling.

Take time to be quiet. There is so much noise all around us. Endless news reports. Panic and anger from many corners. We are inundated with information and opinions. Turn off your TV. Set down your phone. Create a quiet space. Sit still for a few minutes and breath deeply. If you already have a meditation practice, keep going. If you don’t, find one that works for you.

These are unprecedented times. There are many unknowns and the future seems so unclear. This has created significant anxiety and fear throughout our nation and the world. Somewhere between a nonchalant attitude and absolute fear and panic lies a reasoned and balanced approach to these challenging times. I offer my recommendations above as a few ways for each of us to care for ourselves, practice love, extend mercy, and create pockets of peace.