All Will Be Well

Louise Penny, a Canadian author of murder mysteries, wrote one of her recent novels during the COVID pandemic.  In this book, she shares the struggles of her fictional characters with the isolation and after-affects of the pandemic:  the joys of being together against the landscape of societal divisions, wanting to return to some semblance of normalcy opposite suspicion and uncomfortableness.

As the characters grapple with illness and death, she describes society's hidden mindset of suspicion and mistrust that is now exposed:  the Dark Shadows of our human nature.

When adrift, do we focus on Darkness
-- or Light?
(Photo: Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

One phrase is repeated throughout the novel:  "All will be well."  A wish.  A hope.  A desire.  The human spirit longing to be healthy... to be whole... to be Family Gathered together.

This pandemic has presented an invitation that might be wise to accept... time to reflect on what we saw, heard, experienced... and now believe:

• What did we struggle against and what did we accept?
• Were we willing to listen and learn... from our experiences?  From others?
  
• Can we adapt to a world changing beyond our finite understanding?

 

At the end of each day, what did we learn
-- and what did we miss?
(Photo:  Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

 While reflecting on "All will be well," I wondered if I can:

• Be well when others are not?
• Understand your joys and sorrows unless I ask... and then listen?
• Accept that my "normal" may not be yours?

It seems that for us to get beyond the Pandemics of Isolation, Division, and Indifference, we must care for one another.

Can we acknowledge that each day is new
and different -- and let go of "normal"?
(Photo:  Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

 

With one week of this New Year behind us, I am trying to unhook myself from social media and news a few hours before bed.  I am trying to slow down and reflect on that day -- without judgments or values attached:  What happened?  Did I listen to understand?  Were there Questions Unasked or Unanswered?

 

And then, when I lay my head down on the pillow and seek a peaceful night's sleep, I repeat several times, "All will be well."

 

May you be well this week.  May we be well together!

 

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)