Chaplains Chat 

Keep Celebrating

Now, more than ever, it’s important for people to find ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Whether it’s talking, listening or a hug, connecting with someone helps us feel calmed, especially when in our current climate when things feel uncertain and out of control. Relationships help us through the challenges of life. We have been created to live together in community to provide care, support and connection for one another. 

Here are some favourite ways to connect and celebrate some of the best things in life, albeit a little differently in our present situation.

Have a Virtual Dinner Party

Dinner parties are back in vogue – this time with a twist.  Virtual dinner parties are as simple as using Zoom or a chat room to dial in friends and family and enjoy a meal together online. It’s a chance to laugh, share frustrations or worries and connect and gain those important physical and mental benefits associated with sharing meal times together.

Log in For Lunch

If you’re working from a home office, it’s easy to skip your lunch break or mindlessly eat at your desk. So, if you find yourself working through lunch, or you’re missing your workmates, try taking a virtual lunch break with them. Creating a virtual lunch hour will help draw a line between work, create space for those important brain breaks and may also be one of the few moments in the day to laugh and just have a chat.

Gift of Baking

It’s no wonder COVID-19 has prompted a boom in baking. It’s far more than a boredom buster. Baking focuses your attention on a calming, mindful activity, just like mandela colouring sheets.  It’s a creative release that can make you happier and it also stimulates the senses, which can increase feel good endorphins. I have really enjoyed getting back into making bread. I love juggling around with different flours/seeds and ingredients and then tasting freshly baked bread straight from the oven. Yum!

If you’re worried about eating all your baking creations, try looking for ways to share your cakes and treats – it will make someone’s day and yours too. As a staff we have been really blessed each week by the special baked treats that have been dropped off at the school for us. We are very grateful for your kindness. Why not drop off a cake or tray of biscuits and surprise a friend or neighbour?

Share Your Skills

If you have a family member who makes a dish that’s always the star of the family dinner or an heirloom recipe, ask them for a virtual cooking lesson. The next master chef in the family might just be you.

Make it Fun

It’s still possible to spend quality time with friends and family and link up whether they live in the next suburb or in another country. To make a virtual dinner party even more fun and interesting, set a theme, dress up, play a game or try all cooking the same dish. You could suggest that everyone wear a creative hat.

I feel really blessed to be part of the Woori Yallock Primary School community. I think during these times of challenge, in many ways we have been brought together even closer than before. I have heard and seen many within our community reaching out and helping others wherever they can. You have all been amazing. Let’s continue to keep our eyes open to provide care, support and connection for one another when the opportunity presents.

Blessings to all,

Veronica