An Opportunity in the Midst of Disruption

Things are changing so rapidly that drafts I’ve begun seem no longer relevant, and yet I want to be in conversation as I can. As our normal lives began to be disrupted by COVID-19, and as folks are sent home to socially distance, one of the things I found myself thinking about is our addictions. Disruption in what is normal can throw us into addictive thoughts and behaviors. It can also be an opportunity to move into new freedom.

As bars, casinos, sporting events and exercise venues shut down, for example, some people will be at a loss for where to turn. I trust the recovery movement will step up contact and help for those already in recovery. God knows what those in active addiction will do deprived of fixes.

Or what those of us with more socially acceptable addictions will do deprived of our normal go-tos. I’m as concerned about those of us addicted to work, and who don’t have a clue who we are without it. Those of us addicted to being right at all costs, especially as things change rapidly. Those of us addicted to caring or doing for others, especially as we’re physically cut off from those we help. Those of us who know without a doubt we’re indispensable. Those of us addicted to attention or approval or being good and now find normal supply lines interrupted. Those of us addicted to knowing, especially in the face of such uncertainty. Those of us addicted to getting what we want or having things our way. Those of us addicted to our predictable lives and to things staying the same. Those of us addicted to distraction still have the internet and our devices, but will indulging the impulse to go there make us healthier, less fearful, or stronger people? Of course pushers for distraction are everywhere still vying for our attention.

This current disruption in normalcy is a great opportunity to notice what might throw us into withdrawal. Getting angry, insistent, or anxious could be real clues for us, and opportunities to make new choices as we’re able.

Lent is a season where we (sometimes) choose to interrupt well-practiced behaviors in order to create new space and attention for Divine Presence, and it’s never too late to choose a practice. After careful listening, I chose a practice of radical trust in God this year. It keeps showing me where I’m addicted to the belief that I am—or should be—in control of my life. Somehow I don’t think I’m the only one addicted to this belief, but I could be wrong.

We might decrease screen time instead of increasing it. We might ask what constructive ways we can use time and space differently. We might reach out and have actual conversations with friends and family we don’t see often—as well as the ones we see all the time and now can’t. We may find all kinds of ways to help, like putting time and resources into sewing masks.

I strongly suggest increasing prayer and meditation. These practices help release us from the grip of fear and other strong feelings. They help us come into the present moment, into our bodies, into the presence of Light and Love and Providence. They open space for us to see what might really be true and what else might be possible that we can’t see just yet. They open us to new creativity to meet new challenges and help clear the way for our gifts to step up in healthy ways.

Anything calling us out of fear is a good practice. Anything bringing us into Sacred Presence is a good practice. Anything grounding us in reality and giving us hope, strength and stamina is a good practice. Anything increasing our capacity for kindness and patience and generosity is a good practice. Anything calling us out of the addiction to the belief that we are separate from one another and from God is a good practice.

We will need all the creativity and awareness we can find in coming days and months. How might we be called to step up into new places? Enforced disruptions of normal can be great opportunities for learning and growth.  

We’re still in beginning stages, and things are still changing rapidly. It will take us all time to catch up, but we have also been gifted—some of us anyway—with new time for introspection. As you find ways to stay sane and healthy and caring over the coming days and weeks, please leave a comment below sharing your experience so that others may benefit. Thanks!

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