Corona, corona, corona … What is this thing that has happened to us?
Some believe this is Mother Nature’s wrath, the scorning of the Earth to remind us of our place as her guests on this planet, while others share political conspiracy theories of epic proportions. The virus itself carries no moral or political agenda and yet it’s so much more than just a virus.
In what felt like the blink of an eye - this mighty virus has brought the world to a halt like nothing else could. Overnight, our lives swiftly shapeshifted into a new reality that still feels like something we would only ever expect to see in a terrifying movie, the stuff nightmares are made of.
In the midst of this despair we face together as a human race united, it is trying for all and much harder on some than on others. Let’s remember how crucial it is in these times of true tragedy to hold onto gratitude where we can and to recognize our individual privileges.
Yes, this is a collective experience on a grand and global level and yet it is also a very individual experience for each of us based on the unique circumstances of our lives. As a world we are grieving, but what each of us is grieving is very personal.
For those of us who have the privilege to be quarantining safely and securely in our homes right now, and as we try to race back to “normal,” it might be time to think about what parts of normal we really want to get back to?
Many are being forced to slow down for the first time in a long time. In an age when speed and stamina are highly applauded, many of us are now being asked to stop, to take a break, to pause.
And in this pause … perhaps we will find some opportunities for growth.
Perhaps….
We will reconnect with our own minds and bodies, having the time to truly hold space for ourselves.
Perhaps….
We will open our eyes to the pervasive injustices and inequities in our current systems and we will realize that we can no longer remain passive and silent to them.
Perhaps….
We will learn the true value and dignity of the often invisible workers who are keeping our world turning right now - the grocery store workers, the delivery people, the domestic workers, the caretakers, the postal service workers, the garbage collectors.
Perhaps…
We will remember to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the natural world around us - of the expansive oceans, the blue skies, the blossoming flowers, the singing birds.
Perhaps…
We will grow more appreciative of our soul’s deepest need for art, for music, for poetry.
Perhaps….
We will be reminded of what we really need to feel full in this life - love, community, beauty, touch, joy.
Perhaps….
We will learn to slow down and spend more time with those we love.
Perhaps….
We will learn to hug a little tighter, to kiss a little longer, to hold hands a little more often.
Perhaps…
We will remember compassion, solidarity, empathy and gratitude.
Throughout history, pandemics have forced change … they have forced a reimagining of world - and this pandemic will be no different.
It is up to us now to decide how we will reimagine our world, if we will recognize what we need to leave behind in the old world and what we should bring forth with us into our new world, with our minds awakened and our hearts and arms wide open.