Greetings,

R U OK?  This is one of those questions that we need to be asking all the time, but at the moment when life is not the way we believe it should be, it’s a question that we need to be engaged with even more.  Thursday 9 September is R U OK? Day and the encouragement this year is that we might slightly rephrase the question and ask   Are you really OK?  This is a question that we can ask as a friend, colleague or family member – as someone who cares.

I think that it is important that we can also ask ourselves this same question.  Last week over Zoom Coffee we looked at a great resource which talked about Pandemic Fatigue – what it is, what signs to look for, and what we might do about it.  The discussion was deep and honest and people shared ideas about things that they found helpful – keeping a gratitude diary, collecting one bucketful of weeds each day and praying were just some activities that people said helped them.

While doing some other reading (Sabbath Rest by Wayne Mueller) I came across a practice that I have tried and found helpful.  It is about taking time out each day.

Find a candle that holds some beauty or meaning for you.  When you have set aside some time – before a meal, or during prayer, mediation, or simply quiet reading – set the candle before you, say a simple prayer or blessing for yourself or someone you love, and light the candle.  Take a few mindful breaths.  For just this moment, let the hurry (or worries) of the world fall away.

May we be encouraged to ask others, and ourselves, whether we are really ok.  If you are not sure how to have these conversations go to www.ruok.org.au for some helpful resources.

Blessings – Heather.