There is nothing to cheer about from the COVID-19 crisis now striking world-wide, and increasing its march across the United States. We have many questions, and very few answers. Seldom have we experienced such wide-spread disruption in our lives.
There is some cynicism about suggestions of praying for those who have contracted the disease and the elderly who are most susceptible to it. Positive prayers for support and aid have long been proven, through countless clinical studies, to have beneficial results. Thus anyone inclined pray should be encouraged to do so.
There is much excellent information already in the public’s hands about COVID-19, so I add only this. We have a great capacity both at the federal and state levels, to come to the aid of those who have become ill or quarantined by the virus, and for the millions in our country that will face varying degrees of financial peril because of the necessary shut-down of many important businesses and services throughout the country. Close to half of our working citizens will be badly pinched by the loss of even one paycheck. The loss of weeks or months of income will imperil countless of our friends and neighbors.
It is a tremendous comfort to people in dire need of help to receive not only material support, but also words of friendship and comfort from family and neighbors alike. If there is a positive reminder of this crisis, it is the opportunity each of us has to be alert and responsive to the needs of our family, friends and neighbors, expressing kindness, support and compassion.
We know as coaches just how much good the effort to build relationships and provide altruistic material and emotional support does. Research has proven that a person in need has a rise in their physical and emotional well-being when they are helped by another. The person providing the help shows just as great a rise in physical and emotional well-being from the act of helping another. Perhaps more surprising, a person simply witnessing an act of such kindness shows a similar rise in their physical and emotional well-being.
Consider the collective benefit to our entire society when massive numbers of people step forward to give aid to those in significant need. As psychiatrists have counseled for decades, if you want to feel good, emotionally, physically and mentally, go help a neighbor in need.
It is unlikely this current crisis will last longer than a few months, but as a world population we can expect periodic crises without end. As has always been true, it will be our response to crises as they arise that determines the severity of their impact and our growth as a people.
Tom Searcy
Board Certified Coach
info@spiritofeagles.com
574-850-9912
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