Empathy in a Time of Crisis
Team Empathy Journal: Part 1
We’ve talked before about the turbulent times we are living in. But the current COVID-19 crisis is different because it presents every single one of us with a new and unknown threat. Some regard it as being a great leveller for humanity. Which – in some ways – it is, and will continue to be as we suffer and recover and pull together.
However, we are aware that the most vulnerable people will inevitably be hit the hardest. Vulnerable groups of people in every corner of the world, to whom – for the months ahead – it will be harder than ever to offer practical help and support.
At Empathy Action, we are continuing to choose empathy and employ Radical Kindness in whatever way we can, even if it appears to be more limited in its scope. And – day by day – we are appreciating what we have, thinking constantly of our friends further away.
Here is what our volunteers are doing/saying this week:
“We are baking bread, sowing seeds, and walking in the sun. We are enjoying new Spring flowers and early morning birdsong.”
“I am grateful for the simple things in life.”
“We are taking a two metre orbit around others when out and about, ameliorating the physical alienness with a super wide smile and an unusually exuberant, ‘Hello!’”
“I am using what I have in the kitchen cupboards instead of buying more than I need – and gaining a small understanding of what others have to think about all the time.”
“We are in closer contact with old and new friends for the all important mutual encouragement and support.”
“I am slowing down and noticing things.”
“I am maintaining a sense of humour!”
“Loving hearing about random acts of kindness! Oh and doing them too!!”
“Starting the day with PE for Joe – it’s a great laugh!”
“Joe Wicks is causing me pain.”
“We are really enjoying having our adult children back home and staying with us (until further notice, it seems).”
“Well I never. It’s possible to do planned one mile walks in the house!” (and a marathon on a balcony.)
“We’d better stop pruning or we’ll have no plants left! Front garden got the attention today so also chatting with the neighbours, at a safe distance.”
“Taking comfort in Psalms 91:1-2.”
“Keeping an eye on the news to see how coronavirus will affect everyone – especially the most vulnerable – in the short and long term. And planning how best we can respond.”
Stay in touch, keep connected and take care of yourselves – and others.
Claire’s Empathy Lockdown Loaf
500g bread flour (I use half white/half whole meal spelt)
7g yeast
Tsp of sugar
1.5 tsp of salt
300ml of lukewarm water
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Add the water to form a sticky dough.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 10-15 mins.
4. Place in a clean, light oiled bowl and cover with a damp tea towel.
5. Leave to rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
6. Take out of bowl and knead for approx 2 mins.
7. Place in a lightly oiled tin or on a baking tray.
8. Cover again and leave to rise for 1 hour.
9. Cook for 30 mins at 200 degrees Celsius.
10. Turn bread out of the tin and tap the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s done.
11. Eat incredibly quickly and make another one!