A Reading of “Lockdown” with Peter Levine, PhD

As the pandemic continues and case numbers are on the rise, many people are facing another lockdown during the holiday season – and for a lot of them, feelings of isolation and sadness might be ramping back up.

That’s why today, we’d like to share something a little different with you.

During an interview a few months back, Peter Levine, PhD, paused to read the poem “Lockdown” by Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland.

It’s a reminder that even during times of fear, sickness, and even death, there are still reasons for hope and love. Have a listen.

Click here for full transcript

Dr. Levine: Lockdown. Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. But, they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise you can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with fumes but blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the west of Ireland is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood so that the elders may have someone to call on. Today churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary. All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting. All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way. All over the world people are waking up to a new reality to how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To love. So we pray and we remember that yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic the birds are singing again the sky is clearing, spring is coming, and we are always encompassed by love. Open the windows of your soul and though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, sing.

Now we’d like to hear from you. How are you working with clients who have been struggling to find hope during the pandemic?

Please leave a comment below and let us know.

If you found this helpful, here are a few more resources you might be interested in:

When the COVID-19 Pandemic Leaves Us Feeling Helpless, with Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Feeling Stuck During the Pandemic: Specific Questions to Help Your Clients

The Same Pandemic, Vastly Different Experiences

84 Comments

Sara Tinker, Psychotherapy, Nashville, TN, USA says

So Beautiful. Looking for words of encouragement and wisdom as we continue to heal those who suffer from the aftermath of covid trauma. This is reassuring and brings Hope for resolution.

Kim, Other, USA says

Thank you for sharing Peter Levine’s reading of the poem. It would not have been one bit less powerful – and would not have felt like, say, a drug commercial – if had been just Dr. Levine reading the words, without music or other visuals.

Loulou says

A man with a heart…

peggy frank, Coach, CA says

Thank you. This is perfect and beautiful and beautifully read and shared. Love -peg

Victoria Rhodes, GB says

I am a former teacher of early years children , working with those with disregulated nervous systems through teaching group conflict resolution, art therapy and the hundred languages of children’s communication and being taught by the incredible ability of children to know what most adults can no longer sense. I now work with elderly people many of whom lived through the second world war and are approaching or at death. Some have dementia, some have senility and many have incredible wisdom to teach. I suffered a traumatic and violent childhood and bad hallucinogenic drug experiences as a young adult. I taught myself meditation through listening to what seemed to be happening externally and to bio-feedback in my body, to reduce hyper- sensitivity and synaesthsia. After many many experiences of going through dark nights of the soul, groundhog days and travelling the multi verses in both ways simultaneously, managing my own medication with the support of my fantastic GP, I taught myself, with no formal training how to walk the middle path of staying grounded and yet alive to the subtleties of what was being revealed to me, through literature, music/ song lyrics, nature and the elements of Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. I am.now ready for formal training.
This poem means alot to me. Thank you so much.

Al, USA says

We need to hear this during this time of mourning for most of us who have lost the close friends or relatives. There is so much death and sickness around us. That’s reality. I would like to send my warm blessings to Peter Levine for reaching out in prayers and in poetry.

Koudjoukalo A, Psychotherapy, FL, USA says

This is what I really need today. I lost my young sister-in law last night. She passed away after staying a month in hospital. Self-reliance and shame are the only words I can think of now. So thank you for this poem of richness in comforting words.

Jean McLaughlin, Other, Harleysville, PA, USA says

“Lockdown”…this was the most powerful reading I’ve had the good fortune to hear since this craziness began. Very effective to stimulate my thinking and my actions toward a more hopeful path. Thank you, Peter Levine for sharing it with me.

Anne Cronin, Other, IE says

Dear Ruth, Peter and team,

Thank you for this beautiful and Hope focussed recording. Being present to myself is the gift I attempt to bring to those people who choose to come through my door.

Clients are speaking of despair and irritation at a media stream of death and rising numbers affected, upset and frustration at restrictive measures imposed on people.

People including me, feel the challenge of living in isolation to ensure we don’t pass on the transmissible coronavirus, and that we don’t get exposed unduly to coronavirus however, there is the choice to ‘feed the lion’ or to ‘feed the wolf’ who creates powerful thoughts of Love and Hope.

Vibration of Hope resonates with the Hope in every being.

Paul Childs, Coach, USA says

My clients are undergoing a collective trauma even as they consider themselves intelligent enough to navigate the effects of the coronavirus. A weariness has set in which has caused many to become more complacent, take more risks. And it is this exhaustion I fear, which keeps them from discovering the hope. Their certainty.

Yvonne Belmont, Counseling, AU says

A touching and real commentary of living today. Definitely worth sitting with for a quiet time.

Donna Lauck, Psychotherapy, PA, USA says

I have a cell phone that is just for patients to call any time even if they just need someone to talk to. There is no charge, we just talk. Unfortuneatly, there is still spam, but that is easily ignored. My patients do not abuse this because they know others may need time, also.

Verena, Psychology, DE says

Thank you so much for posting this video.
Peter Levine is just a wonderful human being.
The lines are showering me with hope, positive thoughts and LOVE – thank you!

john russell, Psychotherapy, richmond, VA, USA says

thank you Peter for who you are
and what you give us

Audra Morris, Counseling, Columbia, MD, USA says

Grateful!!!

Maria Pini, GB says

Thank you so much for sharing. Maria ??

Gerrie Slothouber, Psychotherapy, NL says

Thanks for the poem! I stay in contact with my clients on a regular basis and response to their massages in beteren. Sometimes I also sent little signs of hope and resilience, by music, nature, love and art. Only when I think it matches to the state the person one the other site of the phone is in. It gives a sense of togetherness when real contact is missing.

Carmen Sylla says

This is really wonderful! Full of hope and love!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Ursula Daly, Psychotherapy, IE says

Thank you so much
Inspirational heart rending
Love conquers all and as long as we know that we will keep on motoring through the difficult times.
U
Ireland

Gwenyth Francis, Counseling, AU says

That was beautiful and touched my heart.

- Margaret Gottlieb, Medicine, AU says
  
  Hi Gwen,
  Hope you are keeping well. Inspiring poem isn’t it.
  Have a lovely festive season despite this crappy Covid crisis!
  Margie Gottlieb
  
Lynne Bitler, Ossipe, NH, USA says

Lovely and thank you very much. We all need to hear this and love each other..
Rejoice in the current moment which is all we really KNOW and it is enough to be alive.
Bless us all

Fred Port, Coach, CA, USA says

We forget… Hold too often… How about sharing the simple pleasures with others. This is a good reminder to reach out… To help others.

Anonymous says

A lovely reminder of the power of love and care.

Katie Finaz, Teacher, Wasilla, AK, USA says

Lovely. Nicely done Peter. Thanks for sharing.

Raysa Amador, Teacher, Glen Cove, NY, USA says

Thanks for sharing the light if hope❤️

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