Finding solace amid the anxious days

Because of the pandemic that resulted in major lockdowns worldwide, many people were finding ways (re)connecting with their families, relatives, friends, and coworkers online. This made messaging apps like Facebook messenger and Viber very much in demand. Various online conference platforms likewise became indispensable as they made virtual meetings in diverse settings possible. Foremost among these platforms is Zoom, which has actually been in existence since 2011.

Much as COVID-19 has drastically altered the way we live, particularly in terms of physical limitations and restrictions, a lot of us, if only to help us cope with the “new normal,” still try to look at the bright side of things. On one hand, many are overcome with feelings of discomfort, frustration, anxiety, fear, boredom, loneliness, etc., due to the need to remain indoors for long periods as imposed by the government. But, on the other hand, as a result of this home confinement, some others got to develop hidden talents and discover new interests. I, for one, learned how to cook, bake, and, most of all, found more time to read the Bible. Bible reading has helped give me a sense of comfort and peace to counter all the grim news brought about by the virus.

The staggering daily numbers being released by the Department of Health since March had made me feel anxious, which only intensified in the middle of that month when a friend contracted COVID-19, followed a few weeks later by the COVID-19-related death of yet another friend. (The former, I’m happy to share, is now okay and has since tested negative for the virus twice). All these made me feel that the virus was, and still is, coming closer and closer, and that it is only a matter of time before — you know.

With everything that’s been happening for more than a year now and the uncertainty as to when the pandemic will end, one can’t help but feel hopeless every so often. It is usually during these times when people of faith (regardless of religion), with our still limited knowledge and understanding of this new and continuously evolving virus, begin to more fervently invoke and seek help from whoever divine or higher power each of us believe in.

I turn to the Bible. My wife Iris and I make an effort to be consistent in our Christian practice of reading and reflecting on God’s words, which do calm our hearts amid these unsettling circumstances. Since March last year, we have been participating in weekly Bible study groups with friends and some casually invited people via Zoom, where we discuss and share our points of view about selected Bible verses at every session. This primarily helps us get to know Jesus better and to develop a deeper relationship with Him.

Inevitably, our in-depth discussions almost always get connected to the present COVID-19 reality. We likewise get to confide in and unburden ourselves to each other about whatever anxieties and personal struggles we may individually have. We listen compassionately and respectfully to whoever is sharing. Most importantly, we pray for one another, and reassure each other that God will make everything all right at His right time. These online sessions have also been very beneficial for our emotional well-being and mental health, becoming opportunities to check on one another in our group.

I initially found the idea of virtual meetings somewhat paradoxical: While you do get to “connect” with and see people thanks to the internet, such setup emphasizes the fact that we are in fact deprived of each other’s physical presence, which I miss very much. But I will not complain, and will settle for this than not seeing other people at all.

I write this not to preach about my faith, but to simply share my experience, hoping that it may give someone out there some ideas that might help them cope with the new normal, just as the Inquirer’s Opinion section—through the many well-written and wide-ranging articles by its columnists and contributors (Young Blood, High Blood, and letters)—has been a source of such inspiring ideas and stories since this crisis started. May we all find our own ways of coping and surviving as the pandemic lingers.

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Peter Tantuco is a sound engineer who works and lives in Makati.