The Gift of Separation

Blaise Pascal, 17th Century French Philosopher said (and I paraphrase), ‘all of humanity's problems stem from his inability to sit alone.’  COVID-19 has mandated that we sit apart.  And so, our problems begin to reveal themselves.  Our addiction to distraction is evident: binge-worthy TV use has spiked and liquor stores are considered ‘essential.’  Our need to distract comes from our inability to sit with ourselves and listen to our own souls.  

This is the opportunity before us.  COVID-19 gives us the chance to reset our rhythms, calibrate our hearts, nurture our relationships and listen to our souls.  There are undoubtedly soul-level hurts previously unknown due to the pace of life: souls are tired, relationships strained, hearts need healing.  This is the opportunity to heal.  This is the gift of separation.  While separation may be mandatory, how we choose to respond is completely up to us.  

Parker Palmer says that the soul is like a wild animal.  Often, we go traipsing through the woods, banging our drum, calling at it like one beckons the dog around dinnertime.  Palmer urges that we sit still and listen and our souls will come to us.  While a fantastic word-picture, I’d offer that when we sit still in listen, we become more attuned to the whisper that was there the whole time.

This is the gift of separation: the opportunity to sit still. And listen.  What does that still, small voice within us want to say?  

What’s it aching for? 

What does it need to mourn? 

What needs to celebrate?  

What emotion rises up as you sit still?