Yesterday, a friend of mine asked a great question: “Why are we calling it social distancing when we are physically distancing ourselves?”
Hmmm….
So I looked it up and here is what I found in an article in The Atlantic. The CDC issued guidelines which include social distancing, which is: “a term that epidemiologists are using to refer to a conscious effort to reduce close contact between people and hopefully stymie community transmission of the virus.”
So really, we are being asked to reduce close physical contact. And in that regard, the “social” can continue – and actually is. We are seeing exercise and yoga classes popping up, 10-minute gratitude communities, and my 82-year old parents are learning how to use What’s app.
Two people using a can and wire to make a call.
Credit: Peggy_Marcos on pixabay.com
Lack of Belonging and Stress
Human beings are social. We feel stress when we don’t feel a sense of belonging. So I would suggest that “social distancing” is not normal for us. We have had one day of March Break and my 7 year old is wondering why she can’t play with her friends…. We need to be together. What are we going to do with that need? How are we going to connect or stay connected?
The impact of COVID19
Over the weekend my mom and I mused about what we (as a global population) would learn from this pandemic. She suggested that maybe we would learn that we actually need each other, that we are social beings.
I think she is probably right…
So here’s a question for you – how, in the midst of quarantine and isolating ourselves in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, can we build community, and strengthen connection?
What are you doing, or what would you like to do to reach out, connect, and feel less alone?
Let’s talk about it.
Join me on Zoom next Monday March 23rdat 2pm EST.
Let’s see what magic we can create to bridge the gap that social distance is creating, and build a sense of belonging in challenging times.
I’m looking forward to it already!
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