Since the COVID-19 coronavirus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, precautions have been made to stop the spread. And as travel, business, entertainment, and other industries are being forced to close and furlough some (if not all) of its employees, the global financial markets are also feeling the sting. What’s worse is that people are either getting infected by the virus or dying from it or both; and hospitals and other health care facilities are forced to tend to said patients.
However, despite COVID-19 turning the world upside down, that doesn’t mean that faith should too. In fact, there are many ways to connect to spirituality now more than ever during this pandemic. So, stay safe and stay hopeful with six of these spiritual practices that you can try right now.
Stay Positive, And Refrain from Negativity
“Stay positive, no matter what,” says Leah Peacock, a spiritual writer at Paper fellows and Australian help. “The last thing that you want is to be a slave to negativity, especially that pertaining to the pandemic. Rather than feel uncertain about the future, try to look forward to things. You can still read or watch news about the pandemic, but know that there are people working around the clock to get the crisis contained, so that we can all go back to our normal lives soon. But for now, let positivity rejuvenate your mind and well-being.”
Take Preventive Measures
Pay attention to what health officials suggest during this pandemic. Just like during a regular cold or flu season, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; and disinfect touched surfaces every so often. Also, make sure that you have food, household goods, and necessary medicines and remedies to help you cope while you’re at home. And, as an added bonus, you can add prayer to your routines and regimen.
Appreciate Your Home
Since you’re going to spend more time at home because of social distancing or quarantines, now is the time to appreciate your living space for being a place of refuge. Give thanks for everything in your home: your bed, your appliances, the things and devices you have at hand (TV, computer, books, etc.), and (most importantly) friends and family during this time. Thus, you’ll become more appreciative of the things that you have at home, and it’ll make your life a bit easier for you.
Acknowledge Loneliness
At some point, you’ll feel as if you’re alone. But know this: You’re not alone. In fact, as people stay home during the pandemic, they’ll feel the same way as you do. Feeling loneliness is normal; though, you can alleviate this feeling by having awareness of the situation. You can tap into this awareness by staying silent, and repeating the words: “I am gentle. I am peaceful. I am one.” As you repeat these words and etch them in your mind, you’ll forget about feeling lonely. Even prayer can help you to alleviate this feeling.
Understand That We’re All In This Together
“As we get through our daily lives and minimize the risks to ourselves and others, know that we’re all in this together,” says Scarlett Hoffnung, a lifestyle blogger at State of writing and Boom essays. “Whether we’re well or sick during this time, we’re somehow connected to all of this. If you see this unity, then that’s good.”
Also, churches and other places of worship have even picked up on using social media to live stream their services. So, don’t be afraid to keep in touch online. Again, we’re all in this together.
Embrace Hope
Nobody knows when the pandemic will end, or how many people will be affected by it. But, know that hope is always there.
Be patient, and look forward to better things and better days to come. You can pray for hope every single day, or take time out of your day to do peaceful meditation sessions. And, realize how much you’re supported by friends and family, so that you can all get through these hard times with hope and joy.
As time goes on, we have to remind ourselves that we stand together during this pandemic. And to get through it, we need to keep hope alive and live as positive as well can. Trust in your faith, and you will get through this.
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