Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 4

Team Empathy Journal – Part 4

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

It has been almost four weeks of lockdown, of socially distancing and finding ourselves, literally and metaphorically, in a new world. Outside, spring has well and truly arrived. The trees are rich with blossom and leaves, the hedgerows brushed with green and, over the Easter weekend, the sun held the heat of summer. The days are lengthening here in the Northern Hemisphere. It seems at odds with the gravity of the news, of ever increasing numbers of those suffering both illness and loss. Last night, we clapped again for our incredible NHS and carers who are doing so much in this time of crisis. Standing in the evening light, it was incredible to see, to hear the noise of people cheering, waving to each other from their doorways and front gardens, truly empathy in a time of crisis.

Our Team Empathy volunteers have been busy; baking, sharing photos, songs, news, thoughts and prayers. We have heard from our friends in Harare, where there are still concerns for those stranded by the lockdown. This time there was good news, that the street children and young adults have been taken to centres where they are being looked after and well fed. However conditions are very difficult, as many people once again slip through the net of care.

It is difficult to know what might come of this time, of what our lives might look like when it is over. There is deep loss and pain across the whole world. For those who live in poverty and fear – and there are many – the consequences are untold. And yet there is also incredible beauty and connection. It has never been clearer that we are all together. Empathy, connection, cannot be locked down. Perhaps this is what we will hold onto in the weeks that come. Perhaps this is what can emerge. A deep empathy with others will blossom. And from this, the decision to take compassionate actions to help, will spread. It will be all of us together, working towards a better world.

Stay in touch, keep connected and take care of yourselves – and others.