Practising respect during COVID-19

10 Apr Practising respect during COVID-19

Practising respecting for each other

Practising respect for each other is crucial at this time. Has the world become a kinder place during this coronavirus isolation period, or is it my imagination? People are checking in on their neighbours while also keeping their distance. Some people are getting to know their neighbours because of this experience.

Never before have we seen so many neighbours living in units connecting as much as they are now – unique ways of caring for each other which have never been done. Many people are finding respect for music from a different angle as musical events from balconies connect neighbours. Neighbours are coming together solely to bring joy to others just because they can. What a magical experience!

Understanding we are all different

Some people will find it difficult to cope during this period of our lives. Extroverts love social gatherings and surrounding themselves with people; they thrive on personal contact as this is how they get their energy.

Introverts are people who are loving this isolation opportunity; they can lock themselves in a room with a book, listen to music, journal or do whatever they wish without having to find reasons to knock back invitations. Solitude recharges their energy.

You probably know what you are however if you are curious and would like to do an online test to find out which side of the fence a quiz will place you on you can take this quick quiz by clicking here.

Considering others

When you have an understanding of how different we all are, you will find you are less judgmental of others and more thankful for what and who you have in your life. The people who we learn most from are the people who are very different from us.

Personality is one thing; situations are another. Some people are finding themselves in experiences that they never even considered they would encounter. We all cope differently; humour lightens the load, and if it’s not your sense of entertainment, don’t stress. Like personalities, there are different styles of fun. Practising respect means giving respect that people are different from you, it is not about expecting them to be like you.

Adults are more understanding of people who are in less fortunate positions than themselves. Humanity is changing for the better. Positive behaviour is outweighing adverse reaction.

Just be there

Men and women are going through challenges and difficulties. Some more than others. Children are also going through testing times. Acts of kindness mean so much to so many at the moment.

Being present and just taking the time, and patience, to listen to your friend or family member is all that some people require. They want to be heard.

Listening is a skill that you can develop further. Test yourself. How? Commit to listening without interrupting. Give assurances that you are hearing them. When they take a breath, you can give reassurance that you are there for them by small sounds such as uhuh, umm, ahh. Also, without interrupting them pay attention, in your mind, as to when you would typically speak up – get to know yourself better. Awareness plays a significant part in the self-development process.

Being kind 

When growing up, my mum always said to all of us (I’m the eldest of 5) ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’. I love that she taught us this, as it taught us about self-reflection. 

All of us are coping in different ways to whatever situation we are finding ourselves currently experiencing. Look for the positive, do something different. Business challenges are riff, suggestions to phone an older person every day are out there. Go through your phone contacts and reconnect with long lost friends. This is another way to keep yourself busy.

During the week, I recall a conversation I had where we discussed people are choosing one of two paths, the positive or the negative. This week I have been on the receiving end of both and both involved strangers who chose to respond from the heart, of course, the negative experience lacked heart and, the positive experience was full of heart. Words and actions come from the heart. Choose wisely, because whatever path you choose to travel takes karma along for the journey – whatever you put out is what you’ll get back.