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Lessons from Isolation. Knowing who you are and what you bring

These past few months have been a roller coaster for us all.  Life has changed in so many ways. As we move through this period, I’ve been doing my own contemplation.

Any period of change can give us a chance to look at what’s working or not. Change can be challenging. 

Our work stations have changed.  Tasks are different. Focus and expectations have shifted.

Anything and everything can allow us insights into ourselves, if we allow it.

Isolation has given me a better understanding of our HMP learners who are under almost 24 hour ‘quarantine’ away from family and friends. For the first time I appreciate their continued loss of separation.

As we resume our own ‘new normal’, we have new common ground. It’s a basis for better connection and communication.

My own working life has changed beyond recognition. Limited work access, still empty corridors, home-working – it’s been all-change.

But it has come with some blessings. I’ve learnt more things about myself.

Things I’m grateful for

  • I’m appreciating some things more, and dropping others - Missing things and people has made me grateful
  • I’m less shy of speaking out my appreciation - More given to acts of kindness and thoughtfulness
  • I’m in touch more regularly with nearest and dearest- I write notes regularly
  • I’m learning to notice my own energy levels and working within them - (it means I’m more productive when I’m in the flow and resting when I’m not)
  • I’m less anxious about being ‘houseproud’ and more into self-expression (such as writing)
  • I’m grateful for my ability to put my thoughts down and share ideas - (I’ve just written an in-cell workbook on Mindfulness that’s being shared around HMP)
  • I’m more driven to reach out to others in my social network and just say hello (WhatsApp makes everything so immediate and real time)
  • I’m spending time more wisely and letting the day/night tell my body how to function (rather than the clock)

All of this reminds us of balance.

We need to be aware of the signals we give out to those around us and limit those we take in.

If we come from a place of balance we’re less likely to over-react

If we know what’s expected of us we can act with grace and gratitude

If we know what we offer personally, and amongst our network, then we speak with empathy

We are only one part of the jigsaw, but together we make up the whole.

I recognise I’m not as effective as the team I work with and am driven by a need to be and do the best I can in changing circumstances.

  • It’s why I challenged myself to work collaboratively on a recent project (even though that isn’t my usual way of working)
  • It’s why I recognise a need to socialise outside of work to keep our collective bond strong
  • It’s why I listen to my colleagues when I ask how they are instead of giving them lip service

I know that resuming work will be a challenge. You may have come together regularly over the summer more than others. But if Going Back is a new step right now, recognise you’ve changed.

Accept there will be more changes to come and be prepared to bring what you can to your new conversations.

Where I work, we have Great Conversation where we’re encouraged to speak up about how things are for us.

However you communicate, do it with grace. Connect with appreciation and understanding.

We all want to get back our Mo-Jo after being away for so long.

So dust yourself down.

Remember your strengths. Know what you bring.

Anticipate as best you can what might be coming. And be prepared in your thinking, and in your doing.

And as you think on, I offer a few words that I wrote in the new Mindfulness prisoner handbook that’ s now circulating the landings at HMP.

You might like to think on it as you wind down at the end of the day.

As the day comes to a close you’re ready to slow down.

It’s time to let the day and its concerns ease away

And let the quiet move in.

Take a few deep breaths and as you breathe out

Let any worries or challenges melt away.

Imagine a soft gentle light filling the spaces left behind.

Thank the day for all it has shown you.

 

Tomorrow will come with its many opportunities to be your best you

And you will be ready.

You have what it takes to be your best self

 

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