The second lockdown in Melbourne has a discernably different feel to it than the first. Perhaps this is because the first lockdown was countrywide. Therefore, there was a sense of “we’re all in this together.” Now Victoria is the only state in lockdown and Melbourne in is stage 4 lockdown. While most of us know this second lockdown is important to stem the spread of the virus, it is hard work emotionally.

In our modern, fast-paced world, how often is it heard: “I’m trying to find a work/life balance?” And yet, what does that actually mean? Can we truly compartmentalize our lives into a work/life balance? And if so, what could such a balance look like?

“Change begins with honesty” was the heading on an Uplift emaIl sitting in my inbox. I let that phrase continue to wash over me as I reflected on the justifiable pain and anger expressed through the current protests against systemic racism. As I reflected on the phrase “change begins with honesty” I was confronted by the insight that although I do not actively participate in systemic raciscm, I am Australian born of white skin colour, therefore I am inherently part of the problem of systemic racism.

How many times have we seen and heard the phrase: “we’re all in this together” during the covid-19 crisis. Such a rallying call has been connected to the need to stay home and practice physical distancing. Now, as the covid-19 restrictions are being rolled back, that phrase is more important than ever. Why?

When I write on possible reactions/responses to the call to stay home during this time of the covid-19 virus, I am mindful that many people are suffering distress through loss of a loved one, financial stress, family violence and/or generalized fear and anxiety. Also, there are the many who are homeless, so the call to stay home is meaningless at best, or like a slap in the face at worst. Therefore, I offer the following response for those who are not fighting for survival in their outer lives or inner being, but rather for those who are ‘simply’ experiencing disruption in their lives.

The following came through my inbox the other day from Michelle and Joel Levey. It caught my attention and in response, I have chosen to embrace the shift in term from social distancing to physical distancing. I have found that the shift has released a sense of pressure that had arisen within me and I am more open to exploring new ways of social connection in this time of the need for physical distancing.

As a global community we have had to act swiftly and decisively. May we learn some lessons from living through the coronavirus - lessons that we take into a future of living responsibly with climate change.

We are living in uncertain times, particularly in the light of climate change. Uncertainty can give rise to feelings of anxiety. One response to living with uncertainty is to try to gain control again. Another is to contract into paralytic despair, or denial. Both of those responses are natural human responses, however they are both unhelpful. How can we live well with uncertainty?

The labyrinth metaphor became a container for each round of chemotherapy.