Creativity in the time of Covid

As COVID -19 cases increase in London, restrictions for those of us living in our residence have curtailed normal activities such as visiting, going to stores, and having close proximity to each other.  We have reverted to “phase two” conditions which seem even more challenging this second time around.  Yet we seem to have accepted our reality and are rising to the challenge of keeping our residence free of the virus. The September 28 issue of The Globe and Mail contains an article by Wency Leung which describes research showing that “Playfulness may help adults improve their mood and lessen depressive symptoms, among other perks . . .” 

One of our members described the pleasure she felt in seeing several sisters at different tables playing various games. Signs of creativity are emerging.  Card games and board games for two players are found on the internet and taught to others. Borrowing, buying, trading, and discussing books has increased significantly. Conversations about dealing with restrictions are more humorous, less dismal.  Seating at tables is limited to two persons so the dedicated card players have been using the internet to find new card games which they teach to others. There are people playing various forms of solitaire for two players, in addition to kings on the corner, spite and malice, thirteen, euchre, pepper, thirteen, golf and cribbage.  Board games are more frequent and varied. Walks in the neighbourhood, or in our hallways seem ongoing. Creativity abounds and is particularly present in our prayers together.  We are more aware of political, social, and environmental issues in our neighbourhood and in the world. Our community prayers reflect our increasing creativity and the concerns for the good of all creation – our common home.

Play is creative, and creativity has an imaginative quality that expands our minds, bestows energy, and lifts our minds from despondency to hope.   With hope and faith, we actively work to make our world a better place.

- Sister Pat McKeon, CSJ

PLAY – I Dare You!

“Where there is play, there is infinite possibilities.” A number of commercials are really pushing the idea of “play” trying to release us into the outdoors and away from our electric gadgets. These commercials bring us back to the golden years of our childhood (at least those of us who are seventy and more). 

Remember skipping, double Dutch, marbles, street hockey (when cars didn’t drive fast and were willing to move over), baseball games (including kids and parents), hide and seek, especially after the street lights came on. Coaches were parents sitting on the porch, hollering encouragement and refereeing.

Unfortunately much of our time has been taken over by gadgets that serve to exercise only our fingers. Chores use to be decided by rock, paper, scissors, not by lists on the computer. You didn’t need watches because when the street lights came on, it was time to come in and play a game of cards or checkers, with the radio playing (“The Shadow Knows” or “The Green Hornet”) in the background.

Summer is running away from us. Outdoor play is not just for children.  How can we play outdoors (running bases is kind of out)? Walking, sitting on the porch and playing “I spy”, maybe use a two wheel bike.  Even sit out in the fresh air chatting with some friends. Let’s exercise the infinite possibility of play. Don’t let the rapid movement of summer rob you of playtime.

If we turn the ‘L’ in play to an ‘R’, it becomes pray. Pray also has possibilities. Let’s combine the two activities pray and play! Won’t God be pleasantly surprised!

Sr. Barbara Vaughan