I have been pondering the Coronavirus pandemic like most people these days and I feel unsettled; discomfited with hundreds of social media posts and thousands of WhatsApp messages.
I will not go into the details of what we all have been reading in news and all the posts. Definitely, in the midst of the fear, worry, and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, each day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before.
Despite all the concerns and worries, the fact that this planet has survived many disease outbreaks, major disasters, tragedies, and public health threats, fills me with hope, positivity and even optimism. The right blend of present-day medical advancements with past experiences would put us ahead of the curve. Bill McKibben, the famous environmentalist during a Climate Rally in DC in 2013 said, “You are the antibodies kicking in as the planet tries to fight its fever.”
The arrival of globalization powered by technology advancements has generated new revenue sources and created so many new jobs. Along with it we’ve witnessed cutthroat competition to achieve professional laurels. Moreover, in some ways, the web of connectivity has trapped people, overwhelming them, and dragging them far from reality. We call this process the race for survival, but in hindsight, perhaps it has somewhat alienated us from everyday simple things. We’ve become more nuclear. While many of us today indisputably enjoy a higher standard of living than our parents, we’ve paid a certain price – depression, hypertension, anxiety, and aloofness.
In the present situation, COVID-19 is pushing us towards an urban-isolation. And this voluntary or enforced isolation is giving us all the jitters. But there is also Bliss in this enforced isolation. Though it may be hard to see, but it is there. We may come out of this as more gregarious, more social human beings, appreciative of those around us, and thrive on interaction based on trust and mutual respect. Maybe, our future fondness towards social liberation of the virus outbreak could re-ignite feelings of empathy, well-being, oneness, and compassion – for every living creature.
The contagion isn’t contained yet, slipping into the canyons of finance and business, putting our global stock markets in the middle of a storm. However, taking cues from similar scenarios of recessions or downturns previously, I believe that the economic crippling will fall in line eventually.
I am actually concerned, “is this Coronavirus outbreak a clarion call for humans?” Is this a threshold point by Mother Nature to check the actions of humans? Increasingly we’ve heard of the movement to halt or slow climate change, and this may be a desperate call by our beloved planet Earth for humans to introspect our interaction with the ecosystem.
I am certainly optimistic that on the other side of the Coronavirus pandemic, we as a society will be more open towards a sustainable future. Also the level of mindfulness & heartfulness will be an all-time high. And, this is the time to amend our lifestyle, perhaps, making it more holistic blend of science, spirituality, and prevention. Indeed, today is a great time to revisit our roots, core value of our existence in the ecosystem.
A Native American proverb says,
“We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
For now, it is crucial to keep patience. So, adhere to the norms of social distancing, boost our own immunity and help flatten the curve to slow the spread of infections. It is equally important to follow guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization and the CDC to remain optimistic, avoid panic, spread facts and not fear.
I humbly urge you to utilize this time to:
Rediscover Yourself with Solitude – Gather yourself, steer clear of unwanted pressure and align your mind & views with the real you. Seek solitude to give your inner self some self-care by meditating and introspecting.
Get Close to Nature – Smell alfresco to fumigate your inner body & bask in pure sunlight. I read today that WHO (World Health Organization), is recommending everyone to run or take a walk in nature while maintaining social distancing to build up their immunity. Nature can be sometimes be the best healer.
Covid-19, your days here are numbered.