The new Rector at St. John’s DC reminded me this week of St. Benedict and his rule. Benedict’s rule was about structure and balance. In Benedict’s day it was eight hours of prayer, eight hours of work, and eight hours of rest. NO, I’m not suggesting we all adopt Benedict’s rule during the coronavirus, but speaking first hand I have been searching for a little more structure and balance in my life recently. It’s a way to combat uncertainty.
I had to remind my self to begin my day with meditation and prayer, but not for eight hours. I also have found that by removing the constant drumbeat of news about the virus from my day has lowered my blood pressure and heart rate. We don’t need an hourly count of the numbers of cases or deaths. The more I reduce screen time and replace it with the pages of a good book the better my day. Finally, a walk in the sun every day has done wonders.
These few things have helped me, but each of us is different. Spend some time though on your own structure and balance. And finally one word of caution. As the governors start to loosen up the restrictions you will be tempted to go a little crazy or as they say back home in Arkansas — go Hog wild. When the restrictions are loosened it is even more necessary to find your own structure and balance and adhere to it.
A M E N!!!!