Again, the corona pandemic throws a spanner in the works: Instead of celebrating the festival of love carefree with family and friends, the fronts are particularly hardened in many places this year. “I notice with concern that there is a great willingness to break personal ties,” said Bishop Manfred Scheuer at a press conference of the Upper Austria telephone counseling. He is convinced that conversation helps. “And even if you may not come to a common denominator, it is important to put what unites over what separates them and to treat others with respect and appreciation,” says Manfred Scheuer.
Nourishment for the soul
Because relationships are food for the soul – just like times of rest and movement. “I have just completed my second ski tour this winter and can only say: walking in nature is beneficial.”
For governor Thomas Stelzer, who is also supporting telephone counseling again this year, “talking to one another and approaching one another is more important than seldom before.”
The fact that Corona is polarizing and tearing deep rifts is being noticed more and more by the telephone counseling staff this autumn, says the head of the telephone counseling, Silvia Breitwieser. In order to protect yourself from negative feelings such as frustration, anger, outrage, anger or resignation, it is helpful to reflect on positive things. “Even if it sounds trite: Gratitude is an important key, because it sharpens the eye for the good things in life,” says Breitwieser.
A tip from her colleague Barbara Lanzerstorfer-Holzner: “It helps a lot if you think in the morning about what things you are looking forward to. These can also be little things that make our day more beautiful.”
What else helps when Christmas brings more frustration than joy? “Rituals, because they structure our everyday life, give security and make life more transparent. Especially at Christmas they give us the feeling of putting the world back in order.”
Telephone counseling:
The employees of the telephone pastoral care have an open ear for the concerns of Upper Austrians even on the holidays and can be reached around the clock on the number 142.
Prominent listeners: Today, Wednesday, December 22nd, there is prominent support: Bishop Manfred Scheuer can be reached from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Governor Thomas Stelzer from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on tel. 142.
Source: Nachrichten
