RADIATE HOPE AND HEALING......THIS TOO SHALL PASS
Waiting to hug my staying-alone mom, not just smile from two meters appears distant yet precious. Remaining quarantined is the norm these days and emerging out improbable. The persistent distress and doubt are keeping us on alert 24/7. We are all into this and have to endure till the planet heals completely. Caution now, comfort later.
Our frontline health warriors are endangering their lives for our safety. It is exhausting living in claustrophobic PPE suits for extended hours with the sword of the virus hanging on their heads. They are enduring dehydration and fatigue in their fight against the virus. By staying away from their families, they are keeping ours safe. Showing integrity in obeying coronavirus protocol, we are contributing towards the fight against the virus war.
The long-term impact of the pandemic is transforming our lives, and it is here to stay for a lengthier period. Our way of living, learning, work, relationships, and old norms are changed. Constant distress and fear are depleting our rationality, and people are engaging in vexatious banter on social media. We can support the suffering people in whatever ways probable instead of engaging in mudslinging.
The ambiguity about the disease, exasperation, disconnection from the loved ones is leading to self-loathing. When we see suffering all around, it is not easy to negotiate emotions of guilt and grief in these unprecedented times. The slowdown of the economy, loss of jobs, a setback in the education system are causes of disturbance. Children are anxious and feel alienated by the restrictions on social interactions. In such moments, we need to be thankful that we can breathe the fresh air, see the sunrise. Our resilience for survival, solidarity, humanitarian activities sail us through. However long the night, the dawn will break to wade us through the pandemic waters.
Oxygen cyclinders carrying truck gets applause from the passerby on the road for helping people in need. Sikh philanthropists are organising ‘Oxygen Langars’ to lessen the distress of the people. Through the spirit of togetherness, we can contribute by sending food to covid affected families or just enquiring about the well-being and be their healers. Alternative healing methods like reiki are the need of the hour.
Time never stands; the way you spend matters. Consciously being in nature diminishes anxiety and enhances the creative flow. Artistic expression and meaningful reflection are vital in times of overwhelming suffering. Even during the last pandemic, art came to the rescue of people. Maintaining a journal in difficult times helps as your true soul will become your guiding force. Meditation and mindfulness diminish fear and anxiety and bring in tranquillity.
We cannot perceive the light at the end of the tunnel, but we will emerge fighting fit. In these times of fear and anxiety, there is always hope that this too shall pass. Thich Nhat Hang rightly says, ‘Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.’
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