Same boat?

We’ve all heard the analogy of us all being in the same boat I’m sure. We’re all in this together right? We are all having the same experience at the moment.

I recently made the mistake of speaking about how we are all in the same boat during this time. Yes, I am aware of the disparity and differences in people’s experiences of the same events, but I still made the mistake of using the analogy of being in the same boat.

We are all in the same storm together, but we are all in very different boats. Some of us are sailing along mostly unaffected in our cruise liners while others are desperately holding onto a wooden raft or have only one oar to paddle with…

We need to be mindful of this. We do not all have the same resources at our disposal. Some of us have more financial resources while some of us have more emotional and mental resources at our disposal.

For some of us lockdown has been a great time to catch up on things we have been meaning to do but haven’t found the time for. It’s been a time to quieten down, to do some self-reflection and relax. For some it has been a time to work hard at growing as an individual mentally, physically and emotionally. For others is has been a time of financial, personal and family crisis. Some of us are staying with family, friends or loved ones while some people have been living alone and forced to face the feelings of loneliness.

I think it’s important to become aware of this because we need to be observant of those that may need some assistance. We need to learn to offer support, and grace to others and to hold back our judgement. We need to exercise empathy towards others who are struggling, they may not have the same foundations or support structures that you do.

We need to broaden our perspective and realize that other’s perspectives on the current circumstance may not be the same as our own. The way we perceive and respond to events is not always the same. We need to stop judging people on how they are experiencing the pandemic and learn to exercise empathy, understanding and grace.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia.

With regards to mental health first aid there is a basic acronym, LLL, that stands for look, listen and link. We need to be observant of those in our immediate circle and look out for others. Are there friends or family who are struggling? We need to learn to listen, without offering our own opinions and thoughts on how to fix everything, to other’s thoughts, needs and concerns. And finally, if someone is really struggling, we need to link them to a solid support base, or professional help such as a psychologist. If you’re in a fortunate position to, let’s offer our rescue boats to those in need. If not, please don’t hold yourself back from seeking help or assistance.

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” – Haruki Murakami.

I really do hope that despite all being in different boats we can come out of this period stronger and more resilient than before. Let us remember that Jesus is in the boat with us and is unaffected by the perceived threat of the storm that we are currently surrounded by.

Matthew 8:23-27 – “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”