The arrival of March has brought with it a mixture of feelings and situations that are surrounding us. As we look out of the window, we can see evidence of beauty that spring is arriving – the mornings are getting lighter, the snowdrops are shooting up and the winter chill is abating.
However, as we look further outwards to the wider world and the emerging situation in Ukraine, we may also feel the very human response of worry, despair, and empathy. You are not alone in whatever you are feeling; it is a natural human response to uncertainty and the discomfort of witnessing others in distress.
We may feel helpless to do anything useful or constructive.
We may feel unsure of what to feel.
We may feel fortunate for living in a country that feels safe.
We may choose to not look too closely at what is happening as it is upsetting.
Whatever you are feeling is a normal human response and reaching out to make connections with others and their feelings may be of comfort to you. It is not selfish to focus on taking care of our own wellbeing in the face of such atrocities. The suffering of others will not be lessened by you not taking care of yourself and protecting your wellbeing.
If you are experiencing feelings of worry due to the crisis, here are some suggestions to help:
Control the intake:
Stay informed if you choose to but limit your news intake. In world that has 24 hours of cyclical newsfeed, it can be overwhelming to saturate your senses with distressing images relentlessly. If you want to know what is happening, give yourself a window of time to be informed by a news outlet that you trust and then go and do something else – read a chapter of your book, take a walk, make a cup of tea for someone, call a friend.
Talk:
Share how you are feeling about what you are seeing and hearing. You are not able to fix the situation and that can make us feel helpless, but connecting with others, asking questions, and sharing your feelings can help us to feel less alone. Don’t just Google questions; involve other humans in the dialogue and discussion and you will be helping them to talk it over as well.
Contribute:
There are lots of trusted charities that are raising money and collecting items to help those impacted by the crisis. We have been collecting in school this week for useful items to give. You could do something to raise money and donate it at www.redcross.org.uk or research local charities that are collecting items to support those in need due to the conflict. It helps us to help others.
Move your body:
Sitting and passively watching images that are distressing is not good for us. Get outside in the spring air and take a safe walk with the purpose of looking around you. Put music on and dance. Go outside in the garden and play with the dog… we have a lot to be grateful for and feeling gratitude can help to lift the spirits.
If you are struggling with the current events in the news, please choose a safe adult to talk with. We will listen.
You can come along to Priory 6 on Thursday lunchtimes (L1) in school for quiet discussion and reflection time with Ms Whittington if you choose to.
