Seeking Perspective Through Reflection

As we approach our second summer of the pandemic, some of us find ourselves thinking about what has been and what will come to be. With vaccines becoming more widely available and restrictions gradually lifting, many may feel as if we have come to a crossroads. While some might feel relief, others are feeling hesitant and anxious about what life will be like in the coming months. The constant re-evaluation of risk versus benefit and of what we personally feel comfortable doing versus what others are doing can be mentally exhausting. Sometimes it may seem hard, if not impossible, to think of the positives that we might have experienced over the past year.

We hope the following twelve questions may help put things in perspective for some, and aid in reflecting on  ways you might have coped, adapted, changed, and perhaps grown as a result of pandemic life experiences. Additionally, we hope that thinking more about these questions offers some insight,  perhaps clarity and a sense of grounding in what still may feel like uncertain times. (Please note these questions were adapted from a Psychology Today article by Gregg Levoy, and the provided examples for some questions are not all inclusive).

1. Are there new, pleasurable activities that you are involved in that you were not involved in prior to the pandemic? (such as Zoom activities, biking, gardening)
   
   
2. Have you renewed an interest that you could not find time for prior to the pandemic? (perhaps old hobbies come anew, or reconnecting with an acquaintance or family member)  
   
   
3. Has the pandemic spurred you into taking actions in life that you otherwise might not have done? (such as working from home, becoming a caregiver, homeschooling)
   
   
4. Are there ways in which you have become more inventive or more creative during the pandemic? (revisiting an old hobby, taking up a new craft, celebrating holidays or milestones in a new way)
   
   
5. Have there been any positive, unexpected consequences?  (spending more time with those in your home, connecting with neighbors)  
   
   
6. How have you coped with grief or losses? (missing out on holidays together, not being able to visit loved ones, deaths, job losses) If you would like to explore themes of grief and loss further, please join us by Zoom on Monday, May 24 at 7 p.m.  Please contact your Kesher worker for further details about this program.
   
   
7. Have you recognized that some habits you began or picked back up during the pandemic are not beneficial and you would like to stop?  If you are concerned and would like to seek support and guidance, reach out to a trusted friend, clergy member, or Kesher worker; BH Link is also available for 24/7 confidential support and referral at 401-414-5465.
   
   
8. What strengths has the pandemic brought forth in you?  (such as the ability to adapt, resourcefulness, resiliency)
   
   
9. Are there ways in which you have become more caring or compassionate? (such as running errands for others, calling others to check in, waving to neighbors, becoming more aware of or involved in social justice)
   
   
10. Are there any reasons why you might not want the pandemic to end? (slower pace of life, ability to access programming remotely, convenience of working from home, more time with those in your household)  
    
    
11. What wisdom or advice would you give to your year ago self?
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12. What new practices/routines/habits would you like to carry forward into post pandemic life?

We urge you to take some time to ponder the questions and your responses to them.  Some find it helpful to write thoughts down in order to revisit and reflect on them further in the future. Ultimately, remember to be kind to yourself, have confidence in your choices, and remain true to what you determine to be best (given the information available to you at the time) as you continue to move forward in navigating life’s journey.

If you find yourself in need of additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, clergy, or your Kesher worker.  Tara Watkins, LICSW, the Kesher worker for Congregation Beth Sholom and Temple Emanu-El, is available at 401-527-7772 or tara@jfsri.org. Shana Prohofsky, the Kesher worker for Temple Sinai and Temple Torat Yisrael, is available at 401-619-2106 or shana@jfsri.org.

References
"Nearly 50% of people are anxious about getting back to normal, pre-pandemic life — here’s how to cope," CNBC Website, March 21, 2021.

"20 Questions to Clarify What Your New Normal Will Look Like," Psychology Today Website, March 24, 2021.

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