I’ve been reflecting on the old adage ‘one step forward and two back’ It seems like that now, every time the government brings in guidelines there is forward movement and then whoops back it goes again!
Life in a personal sense is rather like that and this is clear to see at this time of year, the new year resolutions, if they are still in vogue? may already be starting to wear thin but we don’t need to give up because we can retain what we have learn’t from our attempt to go forward, and when we try again we don’t begin in quite the same place we can take with us the learning of having gone forward before, we can sift our new knowledge and go forward with new vigour.
I’ve been fascinated with the notion of walking backwards, on rare occasions we might see this in the park perhaps where a runner has got distracted and reverses to see what hes missed.I understand its meant to be good for us especially our knees as it strengthens our knee joints. However it is best undertaken in small doses and in a gym where supervision is available. Strengthening the knee joints from running backwards is a good analogy for gaining strengthen from needing to look back at our unresolved issues which trip us up as we go forward`.We cannot wipe the plate clean because human beings store unused things and unbearable things in the unconscious which is like a repository which contains the things we can’t handle or don’t even know they are there and these things can come to light through therapeutic work and,or traumatic events which are triggered by stress and loss amongst other things.
Becoming more consciously aware and following a balanced life purpose is part of a meaningful life journey. It is a personal journey for each individual but there is also a connectedness between us all as human beings.It seems to me that ,on the one hand,this connectedness is so urgent that we find ways of getting it even in the imposed isolation brought about by lockdown restrictions.On the other hand the urgency creates anxiety as we devise old and new ways of being in touch with others.
Balance is lost when the anxiety takes over, if you take control over what is in your power to control you may find yourself able to get into a routine again.Some suggestions of maintaining your old routine, but within the safety guidelines can be useful.Have you been skulking around in your nightwear perhaps not bothering to take a shower then you need to get back to ‘normal’ prepare for your day as you always did, and as far as possible do your usual things.If you challenge and stop negative thoughts you have an opportunity to have more positive thoughts and new perspectives.I wonder if you realise that the more you expect a catastrophy the more you create the environment for it to happen.
A useful tip is to take a encouraging bible verse into your mind, or if you are from another life philosophy an encouraging mantra which holds you in a positive and active frame of mind.Such a ritual or code of behaviour can be useful even if you are less active through disability.Ask yourself What did I Learn from the first lockdown that I can use to help me now?
Give thanks with a grateful heart God will take care of you!In 1 Thessalonians 5 16-18 we are enjoined to give thanks in all circumstances………………………..Today give thanks for the skill of scientists who are able to create vaccines ……………
aoibheann thoughtful reflections 