Every dark cloud has a silver lining. While the world is grappling with the coronavirus’ side-effects, it is also struggling to look forward to something positive happening. It may seem like we have to invest a long time in the journey, but we also need to assure ourselves that it will pass. At this point, we may feel that we are having our worst time, and in many ways, it actually, but this time has made all of us realise what is truly important.
We should use this time to be grateful because it made us take a break and face things we might neglect. After all, we were busy or pretending to be engaged with our routine schedules.
We could notice the initial order of staying at homes from the reactions of school going kids. For them, it was an absolute wonder. But after the lockdown was extended, the wonder turned into hopelessness. Now they are utilising their study time by having online lectures.
When I had a conversation with some of my friends and colleagues about their lives during the lockdown and how it has impacted them, I figured out that the lockdown is a boon. Since access to gyms is impossible, many are doing yoga and pranayam at homes to burn off those extra calories and feel connected to themselves. Those who used to think survival without Dominos is not easy; they are taking the help the youtube tutorials to make those delicious pizzas at home.
This phase is helping everyone create a balance in their lives and maintain it. As maids are not coming, many have learnt cooking and doing their household chores by themselves. Many different versions of “aaloo gobhis” are being prepared in the kitchens. This break allowed us to take a good and hard look at what we are doing.
Many added that they were not living life the same way as they planned. They have a chance now to reframe it and live their lives to the fullest. Some believe that the virus has given them a gift — the gift of discipline, serving humanity, spreading smiles, being grateful to live for all the possibilities and opportunities.
People are more concerned about maintaining adequate hygiene and sanitation practices than before. The word “quality time” with the family and closed ones had lost its importance, the lockdown is leading to positive changes in lifestyle. After the re-telecast of the iconic show Ramayana, every age group is glued to the TV. It shows people are spending more time with their families.
People have realised that nothing lasts forever and nature has its ways of maintaining peace and balance. We should embrace our planet for having a chance at being its beautiful self. The situation has not been bad; it has taught everyone in different ways to become the better version of themselves.
But that urge to socialise again and hang out with friends continues to strike every mind and awaits the moment that shall let things improve, let people out, hopefully in a better way and as better individuals.
The consequences of the pandemic can vary from person to person and country to country. It teaches us many things and I am curious to see how much we will remember of it when it passes. May this crisis leave us as better humans than before, more empathetic and compassionate with an overall sense of cohesive response and resolve.