Creativity in the time of Covid

As COVID -19 cases increase in London, restrictions for those of us living in our residence have curtailed normal activities such as visiting, going to stores, and having close proximity to each other.  We have reverted to “phase two” conditions which seem even more challenging this second time around.  Yet we seem to have accepted our reality and are rising to the challenge of keeping our residence free of the virus. The September 28 issue of The Globe and Mail contains an article by Wency Leung which describes research showing that “Playfulness may help adults improve their mood and lessen depressive symptoms, among other perks . . .” 

One of our members described the pleasure she felt in seeing several sisters at different tables playing various games. Signs of creativity are emerging.  Card games and board games for two players are found on the internet and taught to others. Borrowing, buying, trading, and discussing books has increased significantly. Conversations about dealing with restrictions are more humorous, less dismal.  Seating at tables is limited to two persons so the dedicated card players have been using the internet to find new card games which they teach to others. There are people playing various forms of solitaire for two players, in addition to kings on the corner, spite and malice, thirteen, euchre, pepper, thirteen, golf and cribbage.  Board games are more frequent and varied. Walks in the neighbourhood, or in our hallways seem ongoing. Creativity abounds and is particularly present in our prayers together.  We are more aware of political, social, and environmental issues in our neighbourhood and in the world. Our community prayers reflect our increasing creativity and the concerns for the good of all creation – our common home.

Play is creative, and creativity has an imaginative quality that expands our minds, bestows energy, and lifts our minds from despondency to hope.   With hope and faith, we actively work to make our world a better place.

- Sister Pat McKeon, CSJ

Learning NOT to Lead

Maybe it comes from being the oldest in my family. Maybe it is because of being an extrovert. Or it just may be a habit of taking “charge” and being allowed to do that and being appreciated in doing so.

Whatever the reason, I have recently become aware that sometimes, one is best NOT to take the lead on a project that is birthed from within a group, but to listen to the source of the verbalized vibrant energy from within the group, to pull in the reigns, hold back and let what will be, be.

This requires great trust in others, in the unknown, and in allowing oneself to BE led by other leaders in the group.

Is this not what happens when a group adopts a new form of leadership to replace the “familiar” and comfortable ways of being and ministering together?

In my relationship with the Indigenous Knowledge keepers and elders with whom I have been privileged to work in presenting the Kairos Blanket Exercise, the evolution that has happened because of the pandemic is the urgency to continue to share the TRUTH of our Canadian history in another venue until the KBE becomes virtual.

What is being birthed by three Indigenous knowledge keepers is the teaching/sharing circles that are totally led by an indigenous person.  The focus is to educate we non-Indigenous allies who want to know and live the truth.

A sharing Circle session is 2 hours by Zoom and consists of a land acknowledgement and tobacco presentation by an ally, and then the Indigenous leader does the rest by focusing on a 20-30 minute teaching and inviting the group then to share how they feel about what was heard.  Then there is a checkout and closing.

My biggest learning is to HOLD BACK and BE led as one who also needs to learn.

Does this not seem to be the journey of the ripening process as we age, hopefully gracefully, and encourage the leadership that is present among us to flourish?

-Sister Kathleen Lichti, csj

My First Zoom Wedding

They planned their wedding for August 2019 but life got in the way.  So it was rescheduled for August 2020 before COVID was a world phenomenon.  She was so excited, he wanted it to be her special day; both of them put personal preference aside to accommodate the other.  As the pandemic gained momentum and uncertainty mounted about what would be allowed, wedding plans took a hit and were scaled back, and back and back.  The big day arrived, many of the original guests were sent a zoom link rather than an escort down the aisle. Now it didn’t matter if you were a guest of the bride or groom. It also wasn’t important if you were wearing night attire or yard clothes. It actually didn’t feel like a real wedding anyway.

Much to my surprise, I found the close-up pictures of the families and chosen guests arriving in their Sunday best most exciting.  The mother-of-the-groom lit a candle for the groom in the rotunda of the church a few minutes before the mother-of-the-bride did the same.  I think originally they were meant to do this together in the sanctuary, but physical distancing put a stop to that.  The groom arrived and took his place beside the best man and anxiously started counting down the minutes wondering what could possibly be keeping the bride.  Little did he know that any self-respecting bride had to be politely late to raise the temperature of the occasion.

She arrived stunningly beautiful on the arm of her father carrying white and pink roses.  The wait was well worth it. The groom visibly relaxed and the ceremony began.   What was a pure gift to us zoomers was the close-ups of each and every detail of the wedding.  So in the end, although disappointed at not being present I have to say thank you to technology or I wouldn’t have had such a great front-row seat.

-Sister Ann Marshall, csj

"Read my child, Read." Remembering John Lewis.

In 1956 in a segregated elementary public school near Troy, Alabama some students decided to follow the advice of their elementary school teacher who often encouraged her students by saying to them “read, my child, read”.   One day, a few students from the school walked to the public library in town to get a library card to borrow some books.  Upon arrival, the students were told that blacks were not allowed to borrow books.  Congressman John Lewis who died on July 17, 2020 was among those students. He was one of those enthusiastic youths eager to learn and eager to follow the suggestion of their teacher. 

In 2016, John Lewis was the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. (view the moment here) His first words into the microphone were “This is unreal”, then John proceeded with his acceptance speech.  He tearfully recounted the painful recollection from his youthful days when he and his friends were denied a library card to borrow books because of their colour. Congressman John Lewis worked with youth for several years. His awarded book was entitled March.   Writing the book fulfilled his dream of passing on to the next generation an event that changed a part of his own world. 

John Lewis was a faith-filled man, committed to his country as Congressman for 17 terms from 1940 to his death.  A man, who from his youth, was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr and dedicated his life to encouraging, promoting, and protecting human rights.  He became known as one of the most courageous persons in the Civil Rights Movement.   

We remember Congressman John Lewis with his own words:

“I believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that we have an obligation to condemn speech that is racist, bigoted, anti-semitic, or hateful.”  -John Lewis Walking in the Wind.

“Get in trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” 

“We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us, affects us all.”    -John Lewis, Across the Bridge 

 -Sister Mabel St. Louis, csj

Ahhh…The Rest Nest

After three-and-a-half months of being grounded at the motherhouse in London, Ontario, four of us eager vacationers decided to honour our long-planned annual two weeks at the cottage and make a run for it.  No sooner was the trip confirmed than Sister Florian, a fine cook shifted into overdrive and baked enough cookies, muffins and loaves to last an entire summer.

On a bright sunny Monday, we headed first to Loblaws to pick up our pre-ordered groceries.  We were still in COVID daze and refraining from in-store shopping. Another restriction meant that we wouldn’t be leaving the Rest Nest area once we arrived there.  We had to ensure that we had enough supplies for the duration.

Upon unpacking our cache at our destination, we were relieved to learn that we had planned well, even if we were short on tomatoes and long on brown bread.

How relaxing it was to venture down the long, steep stairway to test the sparkling Lake Huron water and to sit in the shade of the leafy maples at the top of the hill.  There was treasured time for meditating, reading, or just “being” under bright blue skies where warm sunshine caressed us on every side.

We are all good cooks, so lingering at the table enjoying tasty meals was the norm.  Sr. Mary Raphael loves being sous-chef and like kids at an earlier age, we took turns doing the dishes.  Sr. Kathy brought a Canadian-themed jigsaw puzzle in a nod to Canada Day.  However, 1,000 tiny pieces were a challenge. One evening, as I was reading in my cozy room, a muffled roar arose from the first floor, followed by another outburst several minutes later.  Another elusive piece of the puzzle had been found!  Concerning other leisure activities, we were not much quieter playing cards.

Thus, ensued our lazy, hazy, precious holidays of summer.   Before we were ready, the calendar signaled it was time to head back to the city.  Returning home is also a joy.  Always, we are welcomed warmly as we embrace the shelter of each other and resume our duties with love and renewed energy.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj