As our lives are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we speak with Dr. Ameet Ravital, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma. We reflect on personal experiences of anxiety and grief, and discuss strategies he uses to support an orientation toward joy even in the hardest times. Our conversation draws on [his beautiful essay, "Despair to Awakening", free to read at Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations].(http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/despair-to-awakening) Subscribe by Email This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Ameet Ravital. Support Hashivenu Links: Despair to Awakening (Essay on Evolve) — A clinical psychologist who specializes in treating trauma, Dr. Ameet Ravital offers three suggestions about how to approach our despair about the state of the world.Website of Dr. Ameet RavitalSelf-care during a pandemic (Blog post from website of Dr. Ameet Ravital) — COVID-19, the corona-virus, now being called a global "pandemic", is here and we have to cope with it. Measures to contain its spread may feel extreme and challenging (school and work closures, social distancing, isolation and quarantining of any persons suspected of being infected, and incessant sanitizing of all surfaces). Here are some suggestions for keeping our immune systems strong, and taking care of ourselve​s emotionally​ in the face of uncertainty, as we gradually reduce the scope of our lives to staying at home for an indefinite period of time.Dorshei Derekh – Germantown Jewish Centre