For many students, educators, and families this week marks the last days of school for the 2019-2020 school year. While it is time to celebrate our accomplishments and resilience over the course of not only the entire year, but the last sixty days since schools have been closed, it is also important to reflect on what we have learned-about ourselves, our students, our families and our communities. Despite the uncertainty that continues to linger and questions that remain unanswered, we can move ahead gracefully by focusing on the positive lessons that we have learned as a result of our experiences. In a recent article published by the Greater Good Science Center, titled, "Five Lessons to Remember When Lockdown Ends", author Jill Suttie reveals what she has learned as result of the current pandemic as well as what she wants to hold on to as society moves forward. We have highlighted her main points below:
Lesson #1: Being with others is the key to happiness.
Suttie discusses that although social distancing has increased the use of social media platforms in order to stay connected to family, friends, students and co-workers, nothing can truly replace the power of face to face interactions. Take a moment to reflect on the difference between a virtual interaction and interacting with an individual in person. What differences do you notice (i.e. ease of reading social cues that help guide your response, technology advantages and/or barriers, etc.)? How does each interaction make you feel? Consider the quality and depth of your connection. When safety measures are lifted and we can resume more in person interactions and activities, it is quite possible that you will be more intentional and cherish the time that we have together more than ever.
Lesson #2: Reducing stress is good for everyone.
The impact of the pandemic has created additional stressors, big or small, for each and every one of us. Suttie points out that in addition to events and conditions that have contributed to heightened states of anxiety, social distancing has limited the way that many people typically cope with stress (i.e. going to the gym, socializing with friends, etc.). In spite of all of this, have you taken the time to slow down and rethink how you cope with stress? If so, have you identified new strategies (i.e. meditation, mindfulness, exercise, grounding techniques, etc.) that have helped you to successfully cope? How can you maintain these practices in the future? Looking for additional strategies to manage stress and anxiety? Check out this Mindfulness Breathing exercise or Self Compassion Break. Both activities can be completed in less than fifteen minutes.
Lesson #3: Showing gratitude matters.
Over the course of the past several months, the expression of gratitude for the people that are engaged in courageous, hard work to keep us safe and healthy has been unprecedented. Social media platorms document an abundant amount of thoughtful posts that pay tribute to workers in essential roles, but Suttie reminds us that "Gratitude isn’t something we should just show to these current heroes in our midst; we can show more gratitude for all of the people and things that make our life easier and happier." Reflect for a moment on your gratitude practices. How have they been influenced by the pandemic? Have you found yourself being more mindful of your blessings or expressing your gratitude to others when you connect? If so, how does this practice make you feel? How can you maintain your expression of gratitude in the future? Here are Four Great Gratitude Strategies if you are searching for additional ways to add a dose of gratitude to your life.
Lesson #4: We need less stuff than we think.
Have you noticed that some of the services or "stuff" that you may have classified as essential prior to the pandemic, are no longer as critical as you may have previously thought? Suttie emphasizes that it is basic needs such as food, water and shelter that create a sense of safety and that kindness and generosity "make us happier than pampering or buying ouselves stuff". Take a moment to consider what you categorize as a "need" and a "want". What do you and your family truly need in order to thrive?
Lesson #5: We are stronger when we act together.
We are all in this together. We have said this time and time again, but now more than ever, we need to come together as a community and lift each other up. The power of collective efficacy is real; when we believe together, we achieve together. To quote Mother Teresa, "I can do things you cannot; You can do things I cannot; Together we can do great things." How can we continue to unite in a caring, compassionate way to face challenges and adversity?
What lessons have you learned?
Take care,
Taylor & Megan