A Time To ‘Be Still’
While this pandemic is turning out to be a very confusing and difficult time for many, it’s given me a rare opportunity to learn some challenging lessons. I believe these lessons will trigger a much-needed change of perspective for how I will ‘be’ on this planet going forward.Already, I can feel my priorities massively shifting. And it has been eye-opening to see how much can change in such a short space of time.This crisis has offered me an opportunity to lead a less hurried life, and a chanceto be still and nurture my "inner self." This includes completing Loving Kindness exercises once or twice a day to help me feel more socially connected to others. And includes doing a kind act every day -- either for myself or a neighbor in need -- and savor the feeling after.It’s also reminded me to be “mindful”, not swept away by the constant news stories bombarding my external environment. It’s been easy to feel fear and anxiety. It sure isn’t necessary or helpful.
So, to combat this I began meditating more and practicing “mindfulness” that provided much needed relief from the onslaught of news.You may relate to this or not, but I’ve also been feeling a surprisingly meaningful connection with strangers in supermarkets. People I’ve never met standing 6 feetapart in a checkout line with a shopping cart full of groceries. Or, one single roll of TP or paper towel, and feel as if we are best friends. Buddies. Sis’s and Bro’s. Why? Because we’re all living the same lives, in the same parallel universe that’s enabling us to feel more like a global community than perhaps ever before.
What I’ve found really important for my mental well-being is to engage in meaningful activities. As a continuous learner, I’ve been taking a deep dive into health, wellness, spiritual teachings, and business strategy & communication (my field) via docuseries, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and books! I’ve been present and engaged in these subjects for the past two months. After all, we want to have a purpose and feel we’re doing something valuable for ourselves and others. These learnings have helped preserve my mental energy and maintain a sense of purpose in the face of a crisis.I refer to James’s words so vividly: "Let us all ascend to the best of who we are." Now is our chance to find our purpose and be the best of who we are.This pandemic is our silver lining. And it will hopefully allow us to look back and feel there were some benefits.
Here are six valuable lessons I’ve learned from this.
1. The power of stillness.
2. Friends and family mean everything.
3. Nature continues to thrive even if the world has shutdown.
4. Material goods mean nothing.
5. Our health is gold.
6. Essential workers are heroes.
I think everyone is wondering what exactly will come out of this crisis and whether we will really change our ways. No doubt it WILL change us! But, I hope and want it to change us for the better so we do more -- give more to strangers and give more to the people in our lives. Personally, I will learn from this situation and do what I can to preserve nature, to bring more stillness into my life, and to never take people or my health and safety for granted ever again. As always, individual change and transformation will always triumph.