Now that I have your attention–you may have read it another way–and that would be true as well–it’s all in the interpretation or perspective. Admittedly, I’ve been all over the map regarding my response to this pandemic deal–from denial, to bargaining, to anger, to depression to acceptance/resolution (well sort of)–bouncing back and forth between Elizabeth Kubler-Ross stages of grief and loss. What a valuable model to have been taught in nursing school as we routinely witnessed our patients going through them–lending support as needed as their process evolved and trying not taking things personally.
Recently my friend, Joel (with a background of nursing and funeral director work) introduced me to a spiritual teacher of his, Rabbi Manis Friedman, who at the beginning (March 20, 2020) discussed “The Opportunity Behind the CoronaVirus” –giving us a whole new perspective from which to operate.
I SO feel that any positive perspective from any number of spiritual leaders can be helpful to our holistic well being. As I’ve written in past articles–”Take what you like and leave the rest”. Here are a few of his words from his YouTube talk towards the beginning of this crazy deal::
“We are in a time of great technological advances–where we believe–almost blindly, almost religiously, in the powers of science, scientists,and experts, doctors and yet we are suddenly finding ourselves without a solution, without a clue. We don’t know exactly what we are dealing with, how to respond, how to control it–we’re not even sure what it is. Yet it is very good for the soul to be reminded that we have not mastered the Universe, we have not conquered nature and we still have a long way to go. And there are people that would actually ask why would God allow such a pandemic to happen? It’s as if some things happen and God intervenes. And then there are other things that happen and God doesn’t intervene. Everything that happens, happens for a divine purpose and a divine reason, it has been divinely orchestrated for our benefit.
“The world is shutting down all of its practices. What is our schedule made of? We go here, we go there, we do a little bit of this and we do a little bit of that and then we come home. All of a sudden without anyone saying a word–no theater, no partying, no traveling, no going anywhere, all of our habits have now been canceled, we have been freed and liberated from our usual deal. We are so caught up in these things, that we actually had come to believe that that is what life is about.
“This shift is a very good thing, the break of habits that this virus is bringing. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to change the habits we’ve been hoping or trying to change.or planning to change for years. But you know, an hour goes by, a day goes by, then a week and we haven’t’ changed it, now we have the perfect opportunity, everything is changing anyway–now we have the opportunity to have the life we choose. We are encouraged by events to think where we put our energies and discover what we are living for, what we are getting up in the morning for. The world is going to be a much better place when this thing is over. That is really a pretty solid message. Every generation has to come out of it’s enslavement. If we take advantage, we can have a much better life and healthier planet–all assumptions can now be questioned and old habits can now be challenged. All fears discussed–were we worried about China, Iran, the price of oil and so on–everything is changing for the better, it’s a good thing, not scary at all and we are maturing as a human race.
“It’s not a warning, it’s not a punishment, it’s not doomsday, this is going to pass.and we are going to find ourselves in a cleaner, healthier, more noble world–politically, geographically financially and personally. So now is the time to think not of ourselves, but of others. We have to become more alive, more enthusiastic about our mission, and our purpose. We’re going to have more time to be home, we’re going to become better mothers, better fathers, better husbands and better wives because we have no choice–we have no better place to go.”
Even though this YouTube talk is dated March of last year it can often be difficult to see potential silver linings from this devastating novel coronavirus pandemic, however, I’ve uncovered a few potential shifts to appreciate:
Family Matters–over the last several decades, many families tended to see each other in passing. However, the coronavirus has taught many of us that time is precious with many benefits. With kids and parents more often staying close to home, time slowed down. No running to a variety of activities, fewer shopping and entertainment trips–in fact, one recent Harvard study found that dads felt more connected and closer to their kids as a result of their increased involvement like home schooling.
We’ll be Better Prepared–while we don’t have to build bomb shelters, perhaps we can be better prepared for the next disaster with non perishables (at least with toilet paper)–right? .
Decreasing Carbon Footprint–with much of the world on lockdowns, the levels of nitrogen dioxide have decreased. The skies are blue in Delhi, India for the first time in years.
Appreciate the Great Outdoors–even though we all miss going to concerts and movies, we can all enjoy walking in a park as long as we are socially distant. How great is it to get out and breath fresh air, that’s so natural and free!
Increased Appreciation–for all front-line workers (health care, grocery, teachers, etc) and the fact that we are all in this together; healthy food options, and for those who show their respect by wearing their masks.
And last but certainly not least:
Covid Humor–I’m having a quarantine party this weekend! None of you are invited.
Let’s do our part Warriors to hold gratitude for all of our silver linings–always looking for more. And by all means–let’s continue showing your love and kindness by wearing our masks.