In the words of poet Gutpreet Gill:
"What if...the virus is here to help us?
To reset. To remember. What is truly important. Reconnecting with family and community. Reducing travel so that the environment, the skies, the air, our lungs all get a break. Parts of China are seeing blue sky and clouds for the first time in forever with the factories being shut down. The canals of Venice now run clear for the first time in decades, with dolphins returning to jump through waters formerly clogged with Gondolas.
Working from home rather than commuting to work (less pollution, more personal time). Reconnecting with family as there is more time at home. An invitation to turn inwards -- a deep meditation -- rather than the usual extroverted going out to self-soothe. To reconnect with self -- what is really important to me?
A reset economically. The working poor. The lack of healthcare access for over 30 million in the US. The need for paid sick leave. How hard does one need to work to be able to live, to have a life outside of work?
And, washing our hands -- how did that become a "new" thing that we needed to remember? But, yes, we did. The presence of Grace for all.
There is a shift underway in our society -- what if it is one that is favorable for us?
What if this virus is an ally in our evolution? In our remembrance of what it means to be connected, humane, living a simpler life, to be less impactful/more kind to our environment. Offered as another perspective. Another way of relating to this virus, this unfolding, this evolution. It was time for a change, we all knew that. And, change has arrived."
As we continue to face long days of isolation and social distancing, it's slowly becoming clear there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, but inside ourselves. If that is as challenging for you as it is for us, read on for inspiration on how to courageously embrace the inevitable waves of anxiety, uncertainty and fear head-on.
Love,
Bianca + Michael
