Most of the year 2020 is gone. Where it went? I do not know. I guess it vanished into the place where all memories go, and time exists only in the past tense. The problem with 2020 is that forced us to make memories of a year that so far feels like it never happened.
Surrealism became ordinary life. Time diluted, accelerated and stopped in the same instant. Wednesdays turned into Mondays which looked like Fridays. All became fluid.
At the beginning of March, I left my house convinced that I will be gone for a one-week vacation. That was what I have planned and hoped for. I managed to come back home after more than two months of absence.
We all watched in astonishment the developments. An unforeseen storm unfolded and hit us hard. The world witnessed the domino effect of the closing borders and humans in lockdown. A chain reaction followed. Across the globe, from country to country, the whole world entered into the panic mode. Moved into denial phase, then depression, gone through acceptance, and now is somewhere next to do not care anymore.
The crisis is ongoing and we got used to it.
Even though it is far too early to draw conclusions, there are a few observations I would like to share. Most of them are obvious, and especially because of that, I felt that they have to be mentioned.
One of the most important things we must remember is that we know when we leave the house, but we do not know when and if we will come back. This is a universal truth. Despite all the planning, organization and tight schedules, we must expect and accept the unexpected. We convince ourselves we are in control, but we are not. From this perspective, planning moves from the spotlight and gets only the supporting role. Living the present tense and the only ever existing now moment is mandatory.
Every evening when we go to sleep we forget that we might not wake up the next day. We take for granted each morning, neglecting to celebrate our rebirth. The same happens when we leave the house or close a door behind us. Looking at our daily existence from this angle, the unnecessary burdens that we carry, disappear. It might seem banal but always leave the house with a smile on your face. Say thank you. And I love you.
Do not burn bridges and do not hold grudges. We might never see again the person we left behind. So instead of angry memories, it is better to keep the bright image of a smiling face. Instead of having left behind us bitterness, let’s keep the light.
Going to the coping mechanisms, please never underestimate nature’s healing power. A walk in the park, the sun and the clear blue sky alleviate the sorrows. Hugging a tree will help connect with nature’s energy. And so will do a barefoot walk on the grass. Losing yourself into the reinvigorating freshness of the rain’s smell – is simplicity close to perfection. Simplicity for the inner fine-tuning.
During the lockdown, I didn’t agree with all the voices encouraging us to use the so-called new free gain time to improve ourselves, to learn new skills or to get our bodies in perfect shape. Even though the idea behind is laudable, I saw it as unnecessary pressure during hard times. What I do believe in and preach is the power of habit and of maintaining a healthy routine. A bit of structure during the day will give direction. Proper sleeping patterns and good food will do wonders. We mustn’t neglect our bodies. Moving gives us energy and changes the bad humour. And if is not possible to go outside, remember the music. Listen to your favourite pick up tune and let the music guide you. Dance your heart out and let the high vibrations in. Good for the body, good for the mind.
We have to nourish and respect our bodies and our minds. These means paying attention to what we expose ourselves to. Being selective with what you eat, read, focus attention on. Less social media (remember is addictive) and less screen time will be beneficial. Pick up that book you started months go and is waiting for you on the nightstand. You will learn more from it, than from spending endless time scrolling through social media. We must learn to cut back toxicity and welcome positivity. Balance comes from within and is influenced by the choices we make.
Be grateful if you haven’t lost your job. Many were left with no means of meeting the ends. Work is important, but not the most important. Do your best, do what you can, but please do not let yourself be dragged in artificial stressful situations coming from your workplace.
Having a solid social support system is essential. Reach your family and friends. Technology cannot replace face to face contact and the warmth of a hug, but it will help maintain the connections. And if you are able to travel, go and see your loved ones. Spending even a few hours in good company is pure therapy. Hard times are easier to overcome when you have a shoulder to lean on.
Last but not least, I would like to mention something most people do not feel comfortable to talk about and no one escapes from. Death. We like it or not, is part of life. Next to change, is one of the two certainties in life. It is the end of our trajectory on this planet. And because it is the unknown it scares us. Taking it out of the coronavirus pandemic and out of the sufferance caused by it, death is a natural process. It is in our power to do everything to prevent as much as we can the inevitable, but we cannot run from it. Taking care of our health and the health of others is a common responsibility. Until we will reach the intimate individual end, we have the moral duty to respect, treasure, enjoy and celebrate life.
Life is now and now is all we have.
Take care and stay healthy.
Lots of love,
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