Reflection by Maytal Saltiel, Associate University Chaplain

Date of Publication: 
February 1, 2021
 

As we begin this new semester and find ourselves 11 months into this global pandemic I hope that we can continue to be gentle with ourselves. This does not have to be your best semester yet. This does not have to be a season of accomplishments and excellence. As I watch the snow blanket New Haven outside my window I pray that this can be a season of wintering, a season to slow down and take care of ourselves and our community. Many of us are entering this semester already burnt out, lonely and tired of virtual connection, worried about the new virus variants and how long this pandemic will continue to last, yearning to celebrate together in community, and in person. That time will come, but for now I hope we can all find new sustaining practices - rituals or activities we can return to daily to help us get through this winter. Maybe today that’s taking time to watch the snow (for those of us in the Northeast), maybe it’s reading sacred scripture, meditation, taking a long shower, slowly eating a quiet meal, maybe it’s even blasting your music and having a dance party. Whatever it is claim your practice, change it if you need to, but be gentle with yourselves. It’s important to retreat, to refuel, to know this moment does not define you.