Changing Our Focus from Surviving to Thriving During COVID-19

Photo by: Dương Nhân on Pexels


Although many are preoccupied with surviving the pending pandemic of the COVID-19, I see this as an opportunity for thriving. By no means do I take this virus, its casualties, and its consequences lightly. However, the worst of times has the potential to bring out the best or worst in people. I am hoping for the former.  

Surviving vs. Thriving

Distinguishing thriving from surviving is having an orientation beyond yourself. A surviving orientation is about me and mine. A thriving orientation, on the other hand, is about us and ours, yours and theirs.

Having an orientation beyond the self involves a guiding source of hope, meaning, and strength bigger than ourselves that continues to direct our lives in attitude and action beyond ourselves. For some, this “True North” (think moral compass) is their faith, their community, or their connection to humanity and/or the natural order. Such a “True North” serves as a moral and spiritual compass that guides and directs us in the mundane and manic moments of life.

However, disruption brings disorientation. These days—which seem to be “undergirded” by the never-ending, sonic change, and are now filled with mounting pressure and panic—it is all the more important that we stay oriented and directed beyond ourselves. Keeping connected to our ideals through practices and the relationships that ground us is imperative.

Contemplative Practices

Spirituality has long taught us, and science has reaffirmed, that contemplative practices are extremely effective for promoting attention, focus, resilience, and purpose.1 Taking a cue from the season of Lent, I recommend the tradition of taking on a practice for the next month that orients you towards what is most sacred in your life.

Meditation Apps

A few mindfulness apps and resources that I have found helpful include:

  1. HealthyMinds app, which provides practical tools to help you develop simple skills to improve awareness, connection, insight, and purpose.
  2. Headspace app to help you manage stress, maintain focus, and balance the things that matter most to you through guided meditations and mindfulness techniques.
Christian-Based Apps

From the Christian tradition, I have relied on:

  1. Prayer of Examen app, which guides you through an end-of-day spiritual practice by integrating contemplative imagery to help you reflect on the day and prepare you for the next.
  2. Pray As You Go app that is designed to help you pray and reflect scripture whenever you have moments of free time throughout your day.
  3. Hallow app that offers guided meditations and contemplative prayer techniques that help you grow in your faith.

These are no doubt trying times. They can either tempt us to focus on simply surviving, or provide us the opportunity to bring the best out of human nature and thrive. 

Those who thrive cultivate an ability to stay aware and attuned to themselves and the world around them. They are able to align their values with the well-being of others, not just themselves. They are able to activate (or live out) those values and convictions, assessing how things are going and adjusting when necessary. 

Thus, forms of contemplation are key to thriving. We need practices and relationships that help us pause—that help us become aware and attuned to ourselves and others. Contemplation allows us to align our efforts to our ideals, and motivates us to act on behalf of ourselves and others. Contemplation allows us to assess and adjust. 

Contemplative exercises—whether prayer, meditation, or mindfulness practices—should simultaneously ground us in ourselves and direct us beyond ourselves. Traditions and practices that focus on the self and surviving are not about thriving. Thriving involves bettering the lives of others, not just our own.

Pause, Attune, and Activate

Although the COVID-19 is an unprecedented threat, it is also an opportunity to thrive. Taking time to pause, to become deeply aware and attuned, to align our lives to what matters most, and to activate will bring the agility and strength that is needed to not just survive, but to enable one another to thrive.

With this in mind, choose a new contemplative exercise, wash your hands, and thrive on!


References

1. For more resources, see the science and innovation development led by Richard Davidson at the Center for Healthy Minds.

About the Author

Pamela Ebstyne King

Pamela Ebstyne King

Pamela Ebstyne King is the executive director of the Thrive Center and serves as the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller Theological Seminary. Her primary academic interests are applied research at the intersection of human thriving and spiritual development. Dr. King's work combines theology, empirical research, and community engagement to further understand what contexts and settings enable all people to thrive.

2 Comments

  1. Steve Yamaguchi on May 15, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    Thanks, Pam. I am going to share this with our congregation here in Tokyo.



  2. Jutta on April 25, 2020 at 10:34 am

    I can recommend the One Minute Pause from John Eldrege, based on his new and timely book. https://www.pauseapp.com



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