Here’s what I learnt from the pandemic
Life as we know it, has changed irreversibly over the past few months and left every one of us feeling unhinged and uncomfortable. To varying degrees.
I have been reflecting on this surreal phase in life, and the following are a few sobering truths and thoughts that have been collecting in my mind for a while.
- Life is short
Let’s start with a dark one.
I feel an increased sense of awareness of my own mortality, and the brittleness of life.
I try to escape this harsh truth, but there is no where to hide. It forces me to look beyond, to a place of permanence. It makes me want to be more in tune with this “permanence”, more than anything else.
What should I call it? Heaven? The idea that we are immortal? God? Yes to all of the above.
When I feel helpless, I want to cling to something beyond the nature and scope of this world and our limited bodies and minds.
I can’t make do with transience. I can’t make do with returning back to earth.
If I am getting closer to the end every day, I need to believe in something bigger. And I do.
2. Live with gratitude
When physical and emotional and mental discomfort plagues me, I remind myself to think of all the folks in the world who are suffering terrible, unspeakable injustices today.
And that shifts my perspective.
I realise time and again, that I am truly blessed.
With great family, education, friends, health — to name the obvious ones. But also, countless tiny blessings that I still have not given due regard to.
The pandemic has reminded me that I have it good. Beyond great actually.
3. Act against injustice
It has deepened my empathy and outrage at the plight of others.
When people suffer, it’s on us lucky ones, rich ones, educated ones — to change something, anything, for somebody who needs help.
There are just NO EXCUSES, for our lack of doing our part.
This is a tough one for me. It’s easy to forget this and live in my own decent and proper middle class bubble.
Sometimes all the empathy in the world isn’t enough. Unless it nudges you into action.
4. Awareness about getting old
In the light of the coronavirus reports, especially those which spoke of how older people are treated as low priority or even dispensable… shocks me to the core.
That a life lived, no matter however good, strong, or courageous — can still be viewed as less valuable just on account of age?
It scares me to think that I’m headed there one day — that I will not stay young and healthy and in control of my body and senses forever.
It makes me feel vulnerable and it gets me thinking about older folks everywhere.
Which drives me to think - When my time is limited, what do I do with my one short and precious life?
The answer lies in the following two points
5. Spend quality time with people I love
Home is where my heart is. I can’t pretend otherwise.
People add a kind of endless joy and much needed balance to my life.
So I am reminded to drop my phone and spend quality time with my family, kids and close friends. And to enjoy their adorable quirks and idiosyncrasies.
To make memories that last a lifetime. And to give more of myself to those who need me the most.
6. Practice my natural skills, talents and abilities
I feel a renewed vigour to keep my interests and abilities close at heart. Things which … spark joy, as they say.
And more importantly, to DO something with them.
Have never been much of a ‘rat race’ or formulaic sort of a person anyway.
Life is too short to choose a path that leads me to dissatisfaction, unease, tension and stress. Or a job I hate, but pays great. Time to reject notions of what the world defines as “success”. Or what is “expected” of me.
I recognize this is a great privilege - many people hardly have a choice. But I don’t feel guilty about my blessings.
I believe that all humans are given these gifts to lift themselves up and lift each other up.
I just hope I can respond to the call.
