Release from the Pressure

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair…” said a Roman citizen in the first century. [1] This very day, 21st century citizens of Rome might feel very hard pressed and perplexed.  Every major news source announces that Italy has now surpassed China in the death count due to COVID-19.  And all fifty states of my nation have active cases.  It has been a week of pressure and hard pressing.

Hard pressed.  The parent trying to supervise schoolwork as she frantically worries about lost wages in her service job.  Hard pressed.  The employees of the CDC as they try to meet precious health deadlines.  Hard pressed.  The isolated elderly who have only television news to inform and ignite their anxiety.  Hard pressed.  We grow weary under the hard-pressing advice and warnings that change every day.

The people seek release and relief from the pressure.  Mental health websites encourage community and conversation, humor and hobbies, nature and nurture.  It all matters.  Each moment that we rise above the worry through diversion our gaze can extend beyond the present fear.  Perspective shifts.  And the release valve is opened.  Take a walk outside.

Spiritual direction can be a release valve.  Do you know about the beautiful practice of spiritual direction?  In spiritual direction, you sit with a companion who listens to your hurts, who helps you raise your head above the virus of worry in your head, who reminds you of hope.  In spiritual direction, you remember that you are not alone.  You never were.  The solitary confinement that feels so thick in your isolated quarantine is only an illusion.  A spiritual director knows the questions to ask and the images to invoke to turn your anxious mind toward the mystery that we call God.

Want to know more?  Spiritual Directors International (www.sdiworld.org) offers a “seek and find guide” – a listing of spiritual directors in your area who can help you navigate this great unknown.  I know some pretty good spiritual directors too.  Ask me.

[1] Paul. II Cor. 4:8 NIV.