Greetings dear Sunny Optimists,
Sending you my appreciation for being subscribers to my weekly musings. As I awake on a Friday morning, there is always this warm dawning within me that I will spend the next few hours doing something that brings me so much joy. Fridays are a constant and happy presence in my life. Thank you, and wishing you a lovely day.
Lockdown Legend 1 : My Rachel
On Monday this week, my daughter Rachel was told that her Springer Nature UK colleagues had nominated her as a 'Lockdown Legend.' She was surprised and deeply touched by the nomination and says she has 'no idea' who put her forward. Whatever happens with the award, just being recognised is enough for her.
Rather proud, Mum, I have to say!
This news took me to thinking about people who have stepped forward during the lockdown to help others. There are many stories about people who have made a difference over the last couple of years. They come from all walks of life, and most of them are unsung heroes. I found it interesting that a multinational organisation is seeking to 'acknowledge and thank UK colleagues who have been a great source of support over the past 18 months.'
My sense of Rachel's contribution comes from her stepping forward to organise social gatherings online. What sets her apart was her recognition very early on that social connections would be lost during the lockdown. She saw that this would not be good for her or her colleagues' wellbeing. So she deliberately decided to maintain contact with her network over and above work activities.
From there, she started to arrange weekly Friday after-work meet-ups in a virtual pub. Rachel is an avid board gamer and quizzer. So games and quizzes became a special part of the gatherings, as did a cheeky wee drink and lots of cheeky banter too.
Before lockdown, Springer Nature held an annual Global Publishing Conference (GPC), which had lots of informal opportunities to connect with colleagues from around the world. When the GPC went virtual, Rachel stepped forward to design, commission, and host the social networking aspects of the conference. She understood that social connections happen spontaneously when people are together in person, but these connections need more conscious awareness and focused action in the virtual environment.
It seems to me that Rachel's actions might not be seen as heroic, but often it is the unsung everyday activities of putting energy into what is needed that makes the difference. She just went for it and has stayed the course securing buying from senior management and gaining resources to extend her reach on what she could offer.
So from a proud Mum, whatever happens with the award, Rachel is my Number 1 Lockdown Legend.
Big smile and a wee tear in the eye.
Lockdown Legend 2: Dr Marc Cohen.
Another of my lockdown legends is Dr. Marc Cohen. He has been a stalwart of wellbeing advice for me during this time. I love his work, and I find his writing powerful and evocative. Below is his poem called The Whirl of Wellness which I thought you might appreciate. On his website, Dr. Marc links phrases in the poem to research that underpins the point he is making. He weaves the scientific and the spiritual in a beautiful dance of lightness, love, and rigour.
I invite you to take a little time to savour each phrase. Just let your imagination flow towards the people you love and the aspects of your life you appreciate. Then, simply rest in the delight in your aliveness.
Enjoy!
The Whirl of Wellness by Marc Cohen
Hold someone’s hand, gaze into their eyes
Go barefoot in nature, bask in sunrise
Choose a dance partner, go find your groove
Do tai chi or yoga, mindfully move
Share a massage, enjoy healing touch
Focus on one thing and don't think too much
Make time for a hobby, play chess, fly a kite
Make use of your hands, draw, pain sew or write
Help someone in need, donate to a cause
Play games, meditate, read stuff from bookstores
Turn off your screens, get a good sleep
De-clutter spark joy, love whatever you keep
Dig around in a garden, pick up a guitar
Slip into a bathtub, sauna or spa
Care for a pet, take up a sport
Go on vacation, make your home a resort
Lie in a hammock, release pent up stress
Relax and do nothing, then do even less
Laugh out loud, share a joke, give someone a kiss
Say a prayer, chant a mantra, follow your bliss
Questions for this Week
This has been a very easy and joyful Sunny Optimist to write this week. From the personal story about Rachel to sharing the depth and breadth of Dr. Marc’’s wisdom, it has been a happy place to be.
And so, dear friends, I wonder:
Who are your lockdown legends, and why?
What aspects of the above poem resonated with you, and why?
Which one or two suggestions might you weave into your life? What might happen to your optimism if you did?
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
Hello Ann. My word. That’s wonderful. I always believe hobbies and activities are absolutely priceless during illness. I’ve had problematical health issues for decades but found that half a dozen or so really rewarding hobbies especially creative writing classical music and puzzle designing have helped me invaluably. They are priceless gifts and I believe there are still so many more worthwhile hobbies still to explore. They help during lockdown. Yes I think three cheers to hobbies but especially to the champions who have helped connect people during these difficult times. Lovely stories Ann.
Always tremendously moving. Can I wish you and all your family a lovely Christmas. Keep well and a lovely new year. Always time to try new hobbies well except perhaps for mountaineering. I don’t think i will do that. Take care. Cheers
Richard x
a
Ann, Rachel is a copy of her mum, caring , considerate, loving and generous.
No wonder your proud of your daughter's efforts beyond the call of work commitments!