Dear COE community,
As we continue on this journey of unknown twists and turns due to COVID-19, one thing is crucial. We must look for the silver linings in all that we are experiencing and have hope that in the future, our world will become better because of what we are learning now. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines silver lining as a consoling or hopeful prospect. Often used in the sentence “Every cloud has a silver lining”, the deeper meaning is that every bad situation holds the possibility of something good. An essential part of self-care is having hope and finding the positive in everything, no matter how formidable.
A recent blog in The Perspective Index reported on responses to a survey about silver linings. “To say 2020 has been tough would be a massive understatement. It feels like it’s been one crisis after another, and we’re all mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. But we’re a resilient bunch. And a la Sam Cooke, we’re always on the hunt for that good news. So we reached out to some of our friends and colleagues, leaders who span various industries, with a simple question: What’s one silver lining that’s come out of the COVID-19 pandemic?” Here are three responses:
Dr. Samuel Tourek, Ph.D., clinical psychologist: “I would say that this crisis is really highlighting the resiliency of the human spirit. I’m witnessing so many different and unique versions of suffering in my conversations with people, and invariably, there is meaning and purpose in moving forward. Grief and loss, for sure, but life beyond it, too.”
Perri Devon-Sand, public educator: “I am hopeful that in a few years we will stop overlooking and underfunding the people and the services that are truly essential to helping this country function. Perhaps we will finally reconstruct our health care system to make it more accessible to all communities, but with a particular eye toward communities of color. Perhaps we will look into our budgets to ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, can participate and engage in rigorous, stimulating, and culturally relevant pedagogy so schools can truly become more equitable and democratic institutions.”
Meghan Duffy, public school principal: “Personally, time has slowed down. I have been able to re-train my mind on what it means to actually relax. Professionally, I’m so encouraged by what meaningful connection can look like in times of crisis—even virtually. People care so deeply for one another; they are willing to go above and beyond to learn new tools overnight. That is inspiring for the human spirit.”
Despite the current challenges we face, these are teachable moments if we pay attention. What are your silver linings right now?
Please read the complete article below for 25 silver linings in our current times.
https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/covid-19-silver-linings/
And please continue to look at our self-care website for additional resources at
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
May each of you find hope, resiliency, and illumination from your own silver lining!
Warmly, Shari and Josh