An Open Letter To My Clients During The Pandemic

Looking out the windows, watching an eagle fly by as crows splash in the bird bath, I’m transported away from background noise of TV news to the beauty and merriment in my backyard. Life is full of contradictions. From the invisible pandemic wrecking havoc to the enchantment of a deer chewing on my rose bush, life is endlessly intriguing. From dark nights of the soul, to existential angst, to joyful embraces filled with heartfelt tears and laughter. There’s so much in this wonderland to love and so much we do not yet understand.

Yes, I’m staying home. Yes, I watching too much news. Yes I miss meeting in person with clients and friends. I’m restless and I wonder how and when this stay home policy might end. When an unexpected wave of unrest rolls over me, alongside that unease memories comfort and reassure my spirit.

I remember strangers who walked into my office and became my clients. Memories of those meetings fill me with optimism. People who seek counseling are ~ in the secret corners of their psyche ~ optimistic. Why else would a person seek out a stranger? Why would a person reveal their vulnerabilities, ask for assistance, tell of disappointments and heartbreaks, acknowledge the messy imperfect parts? I can’t adequately describe how it happens that two strangers’ paths cross and they join in a collaborative dialogue. Perhaps it’s because they believe in possibilities, they are willing to be open, to cry, to disagree, to laugh and grow into their authentic selves. Whatever brings a person to counseling, I appreciate the curiosity and willingness to be participants in the magical art of healing stories and enlightening conversations.

This pandemic has thrown us for a loop. Life is difficult. We heard about the 1790’s Yellow Fever but we never expected to be in the middle of a pandemic in 2020. We are not prepared for the emotional roller coaster ride. We feel out of control, helpless and worried.

In such anxiety-filled moments we do what comes naturally: We reach out for human connection. We arrange meetings with friends in front of screens. We listen to stories of how others cope and what they’re worried about. We share our own troubles and those small stories soothe and remind us that we are not alone. We watch the news and our hearts go out to people who are infected and separated from loved ones. We’re inspired and lifted by people across the world that we have never met who are making heroic efforts for their community.

One day, in the future, it’s likely that we will look back and tell and hear more stories of personal encounters with Coronavirus 2020. These tales are worth telling and re-telling, for it is in the telling of our struggles that we uncover fresh appreciation for who we are, where we’ve been, how far we’ve come. It’s in sharing difficulties that healing connections are made.

Stories are essential for understanding who we are and so I invite you to share with me and reach out to others. For example, it feels good to me to ask the grocery store checker, “How are doing?” or “I appreciate that you are working, it must be difficult.” These exchanges have far reaching positive consequences and although we never know for sure how our reaching out impacts another, I can verify from personal and professional experience that such exchanges reach further than we imagine. Through awareness of our mutual human struggle goodness spreads all around.

Dear one, please know that your stories have impacted my life. Not only does the person telling the story benefit but so does the listener. I am enriched by what you’ve shared and look forward to our next meeting and hearing more of your stories.