Daily Excerpt: Old and On Hold (Cooper) - Making Up for Missing Religious and Recreational Gatherings

 


The following excerpt comes from Old and On Hold (Cooper) --


(editor's note: while this book -- and a dozen others - - were written for the days of the pandemic, to help with various unique circumstances we all experienced at that time. some of the advice in it is good in general for circumstances that occur as the aging process kicks in, so we have maintained the book for sale at the MSI Press webstore)

Making Up for Missing Religious and Recreational Gatherings

We had interests before the pandemic and still have the same interests now except we may not be able to participate in our callings and interests. If we are active in a religion and regularly attend gatherings, we likely experience spiritual solace and a sense of belonging with others. Our plan will include staying in contact with our religious community leaders to help maintain connection, especially around providing explanations and understandings of this world crisis.

How many of us are devoted followers of sports either through attending games or watching on television? Many of us are active in sports such as golf, fishing, or shooting baskets. How many of us are involved in a book club, bridge, or focused discussion groups? Many of us have regular group dates at the coffee shop for lively discussions on the events of our time.

Some recreational areas are opening, particularly those in which social distancing can be practiced. Fishing alone and golf are examples. Sport associations are considering having games in which the only spectators are watching the game in their homes. Sports associations are grappling with ensuring the safety of the players which may require some sort of rapid testing to measure the presence of the virus prior to the game.

Religious and spiritual gatherings, discussion groups, meetings, and forums have become virtual events; the events are shared online and everyone can participate. All it takes is an Internet system with a mic and camera and access to the event through an approved link. Zoom, Skype, and Go-to-Meeting are examples of platforms that provide the opportunity to gather online.

Some of my least techie friends and I are developing the skills to socially participate as a group through the Internet. Virtual capacity for virtual gatherings allows us to safely gather with our families and friends. Virtual capacity allows those of us who volunteer in our community to continue to participate if virtual meetings are part of our activities. Facebook, email, Instagram, Twitter, and other forms of social media are keeping us connected in a way we could not have imagined 25 years ago.

For more posts about Bertha, winner of the Phoenix Award for best new voice in health and fitness, and her books, click HERE. 


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