Empathy in A Time of Crisis – 10

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.

 Team Empathy Journal – Part 10

Over the last ten weeks we have written about how we’ve navigated this time of crisis. Some weeks we have focussed on the things we’ve done to keep busy – baking bread, Zoom calls and gardening. Other weeks have been more reflective as we’ve remembered those who are so much less fortunate, who live in a place where social distancing is impossible, food is scarce and the public health system unstable. We’ve launched our amazing Rainbow Campaign and we’ve been able to continue, albeit in a different format, spreading the message of empathy, solidarity and hope.

As we move slowly towards a new kind of normal, we asked our brilliant Team Empathy what they have taken from this time and what their hopes are for the future:

‘I’ve realised how much I love quiet time in the afternoon – in total opposition to my usual tearing about’

 ‘I’m no teacher and I’ve even more admiration for those who work to educate and care for our children every day.’

 ‘An increased appreciation of the changes in the seasons.’

 ‘Along with so many others, such huge respect for our NHS, carers and key workers.’

‘People need to actually see people!  Whilst Zoom/FT/Skype/WhatsApp are fantastic – we’ve found having socially distant chats with people we’ve met whilst walking made us feel more alive.’

‘I’ve learned that it’s good to stop and think about what’s really important.’

 ‘Drawing closer to God has underpinned everything.’

‘I hope we can, as a world, go forward and not leave anyone behind, particularly the proverbial ‘least of these.’

‘I hope people can continue to be interested in and respectful of others.’

 ‘That the love, care and empathy that has been shown will continue.’

 ‘That this time of crisis, that has shown the strength of community and the need to stand together in solidarity, becomes the foundation for a new way of moving through the world, with connection and compassion at its centre.’

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