Rejoice in the Lord always. And I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. God is near us! Do not drown in your anxiety, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Paul in Philippians 4:4-7

These words of Paul to the church in Philipi were the focus of our Care Team Zoom retreat last Saturday. We talked a lot about what this scripture brought up for us as we weather this season of COVID19 together. Here are some big questions that emerged in our conversation:

How do we keep from drowning in our anxiety?
How do we rejoice when there is so much challenge around us?
How do we really cultivate “peace that passes all understanding” in such challenging times?

Here are some things we (Your Care Team) are doing to answer these questions for ourselves. We invite you to try out some of these things or come up with your own as we “shelter in place.”

Laurie: I have been making protective masks because there is a shortage for healthcare workers and first responders. I also enjoy my yard and especially the beautiful wisteria on my patio. My garden and yard give me peace and joy. (The Care Team invites you to experience nature in whatever way you can- by taking a short walk in your neighborhood -practicing social distancing- or enjoying your yard, indoor or outdoor plants, or even photos of beautiful places in your photo albums or online).

Diana: I do my devotions every morning. I make phone calls and reach out to the people in my care circle. It seems like most people appreciate hearing a voice or having a check-in. And it makes me feel calmer, more peaceful, and better - like I’m doing something to make a difference. (The Care Team invites you to contact your friends and neighbors via phone, email, text, or video conference. Connecting with others helps fight off the sense of isolation that may creep up on us.)

Steve: I concentrate on my breathing. I try to slow it down if I’m anxious. I do spiritual practices around it and they bring me peace. (The Care Team invites you into any kind of spiritual practices, and noticing’s that involve your breathing. COVID19 effects breathing. So, these practices can bring up a lot for us to work with now. There are important reasons that Jesus showed up in the room where the Disciples were hiding after his resurrection and breathed on them and said “Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit.”)

Jackie: I find the Psalms very helpful these days. Sometimes when the weather is dreary or anxieties arise during the day/night, just a quick “glance” at the Lord with a short verse such as “Steady my footsteps O Lord, according to your promise”, or “Lord you are my strength – I trust in you” - helps me stay centered. (This type of prayer is called an “aspiration” – a one-breath-prayer) (The Care Team invites you to create your own “quick glance” one-breath-prayer from scripture phrases, hymn refrains, or other sources to strengthen and comfort you any time – and especially when you are too anxious or weary for longer prayer time.

Roz: I have been doing a household chore-each day that gives me a sense of accomplishment (something small like cleaning a drawer or one cabinet). I have been trying new recipes (cooking), and also been spending time outside in nature and working in the garden. It has really been giving me joy to paint flower pots. (The Care Team invites you to do the things that give you a sense of accomplishment, do things you love that give you joy, or try something completely new!)

Rev. Jeanne: To access joy and peace, I spend time in my garden, color, listen to audio books, work on house projects, watch Gaia and Britbox, practice Kinhin/Walking Meditation, check-in with friends, and spend time laughing and playing with my son. I'm staying off the Internet when I don't have to be on it. I’m also making sure I have down time from working because now my work and family life are in the same place and they can blend together in unhealthy ways. The intensity and emotional load of my work has also multiplied as Pastor and Spiritual Director, so I'm letting myself nap and rest during the day because I'm holding a lot and not sleeping as well at night. There are many things about this crisis that trigger my childhood trauma. And I’m honoring that I am not at 100%. And I’m being gentle with myself and letting what I do be good enough- because it is. (The Care Team invites you to be gentle with yourself right now. Let yourself rest and nap when you can. Set boundaries if you are working at home. Put your computer and work things away and don’t respond to messages, social media, and texts for a designated time.)