Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being in the Pandemic

By Syndie Eardly

The airwaves are filled with medical advice about protecting ourselves physically in the midst of a pandemic, but therapists and spiritual leaders are weighing in on the need for attending to our psychological and spiritual health as well, both of which have been challenged in our efforts to quarantine for safety.

Katie Asmus, a Boulder, Colorado-based psychotherapist, said that in her conversations with people over the past few months, she realized the extent to which the grief and isolation is causing a lot of challenges for people. “When people aren’t with other people, they can get depressed or anxious, asking, ‘Why is this happening to me.’ The feeling of isolation is a feeling of disconnect.”

Born and raised in Lakewood, Ohio, Asmus, who is also an educator, rites of passage guide, and somatic and wilderness therapist, said that in tending to your emotional health in these situations you are also tending to your physical health because your emotional health affects your immune system.

“Connection is critical,” she said. “Think about what you can control. Intentionally spend time with whatever resource in your life that helps you regulate your body, so your body is releasing endorphins – the biochemistry of ease and wellness; petting your dog, sitting in your garden, going for a run, reading a good book. Self-care is important. Anything that makes you feel best, do that. Be with people by talking on the phone, meeting up safely outside. Stay connected. That is huge.”

She said another primary resource for many people is attending to their spiritual life and this too can offer critical advantages to our overall health and well-being.

Patrick Gibbons, Spiritual Care Coordinator with Hospice of the Western Reserve, emphasized the need to attend to your spiritual and mental health at a recent ZOOM webinar he offered through the Centering Space Retreat Center in Lakewood. He invited participants to check out several helpful websites with resources for dealing with grief and loss during COVID, including hospicefoundation.org, nationalcouncilofchurches.us, National Association of Catholic Chaplains website at nacc.org, zencaregiving.org, and good-grief.org.

In addition to Gibbons program on grief, Centering Space has continued to offer a full menu of programs throughout the pandemic. Located on the shores of Lake Erie in a century home next to Lakewood Park, the organization has for nearly two decades offered a place where people of all faiths could attend prayer and programs to explore and strengthen their faith. Director Betsy Nero said the advent of COVID-19 presented a challenge to the organization because it caters to a wide range of ages, including those who are most vulnerable.

“We quickly made the decision to offer much of our programming through the ZOOM platform, while moving some of our offerings to the outdoors,” Nero said. “We are blessed to have access to the beautiful grounds surrounding Centering Space to make that happen.”

The efforts were welcomed by many participants, in large part because it kept them connected in a way that reduced the impact of the isolation that the pandemic imposed on them.

“Why do I show up for ZOOM at Centering Space? For a very basic reason: it gives me something to look forward to,” said Sharon Konkoly. “What is it that I look forward to? Community, people, a safe place to share my thoughts and feelings, spiritual growth which provides a positive way to view the world in a very difficult time in history, an ever expanding understanding of the living Christ is a big part of that view. It gives me hope, endurance and even joy.”

The sense of community is a key component of Centering Space’s mission and the feedback they have received has been a critical driver in developing ongoing programs to meet the needs of their clientele during this unusual time.

“One of the most important supports for me during these days of pandemic sheltering at home is the virtual contact I have enjoyed through the wonderful ZOOM gatherings with my friends at Centering Space,” said Michael Estwanik of Ojai, Califorinia. “The wisdom, honesty, and laughter we share is priceless. While it may not be as fulfilling as our in-person meetings were, it is the best we have right now. And because of our continued connections through ZOOM, when we do get to see each other again when ‘it is safe to go back in the water,’ our smiling embraces will mean more than ever.”

Naja Yazbek also sees continued value in the gatherings, even if they are now online.

“What would you seek when isolation takes place?” he asked. “A community listening to you? A prayer that redefines your human aspirations and redirects your awareness of your position in the universe? Good people smiling at you and asking nothing but giving you attention and compassion? That's what I get every time I go to a zoom meeting with Centering Space.”

As often happens, there are hidden blessings in this situation for Centering Space. They have grown their following from people at a distance who may have struggled to make the drive to Lakewood to attend programs in the past. Angela Abdoo and her sister Corrine Wagner live in Cuyahoga Falls. The new online programming has helped boost their participation.

“It is a gift for both of us,” Abdoo said. “While I prayed for the people who contracted the virus and that it would be controlled, I never would have thought that the virus would have such a positive result in my prayer life! The weekly prayer time is beautiful, uplifting, and peace-filled.”

Mary Lynn Delfino agrees that the programs at Centering Space have been a boon for her as well in this challenging environment.

“I had been to Centering Space a few times for the occasional program, but because I am a working professional, living and working some distance from Lakewood, I was unable to attend programs on a regular basis,” Delfino said. “Now that I am working from home, I designate my lunch break on Wednesday for weekly prayer at Centering Space. Two of my friends were regular participants (pre-pandemic); I love being able to pray with them, of course, and I have enjoyed getting to know the 'regulars' who participated together and the new people who have never even been to Centering Space but have found their way here. To have this hour for community, prayer, sharing, and silence each week feels luxurious in the midst of so much loss, especially the loss of certain rituals and activities. And as a younger member of the group, I have been able to offer some technical support to Centering Space, which is my little way of giving back.”

Nero said shifting much of their programs to ZOOM has taught them a lesson for the future.

“Even when we can return to some sense of normalcy, we will continue to offer programs online,” she said. “It is wonderful to be able to include people who have time and distance limitations. And when winter comes, it will be great for our participants to have the added advantage of participating in an online prayer gathering when inclement weather would have kept them at home.”

Centering Space is located at 14812 Lake Ave. in Lakewood. Program offerings can be viewed at centeringspace.org.