My 87-year-old dad went through the Second World War, the Partition of India and went to jail for Gandhiji’s Jail Bharo Andolan. Chatting with him on the current pandemic here are four key thoughts that arose:
1.Calm amidst the panic: Fear levels around us are high and palpable. The reality is that our prehistoric brain is wired for survival, not for peace and equanimity. We instinctively feel fearful with even the slightest of triggers affecting our survival. Imagine stepping on a rope in the dark! The current Covid-19 pandemic crisis is unprecedented and potentially devastating at multiple levels. It may turn out to be a generation-defining event. Fear is naturally turning to panic.
While fear and panic are totally understandable, we need to recognise the need to stay calm. Being calm and positive, while staying fully vigilant and following all necessary guidelines, is the key to effectively working our way through any crisis. Listening to the horror stories of the Partition from my dad, it is clear that if the health crisis continues, each of us will likely experience a roller coaster of emotions – from denial, anxiety, anger and panic to sadness and despair.
To build greater equanimity, it helps to switch off from the external world of news and social media from time to time and instead, focus on our inner world. Simply sitting still and becoming an observer of our varying emotions help. Remain focused only on observing, without judging them (or ourselves). With consistent practise, the volatility of our emotions does subside.
2.We along with i: With the virus spreading rapidly, protecting ourselves and our loved ones is important. If we are healthy, we also need to pay attention to helping others if we can. Whether it is the frontline health workers, daily wage earners or families of domestic helpers. Being helpful to others is therapeutic for our heart and soul too.
In our individualistic society, where we are otherwise growing apart, the virus is a reminder of our interconnectedness; that we cannot live or succeed in isolation. We are part of different communities and we should routinely contribute towards the welfare of all those communities. We are all in it together.
3.Trifocal vision: It’s easy for many of us to get into the survival mode for the next three weeks. Simultaneously, I would encourage you to proactively plan for at least two more time-horizons. The next three months and the next fifteen months.
It is not unforeseeable that the current crisis, including some form of lockdown or social distancing, may continue for a couple of months. Also, it’s possible that even if the infections decline this summer, they may reappear next winter – until we have a vaccine over the next 12 months. Besides, the economic downside of a prolonged outbreak would not only be severe but also could last over a year.
4.Pursue personal goals: Crisis and isolation can be a remarkable time for personal growth. Whether the pandemic is short-lived or prolonged, as my dad reminds me, this too shall pass. So, consider using this time of reduced activity wisely. Don’t just watch the news or movies. Attend that online photography or AI course that you wanted to; catch-up on your reading; get fitter; learn to meditate; practise gratefulness; be more loving to your family.
The writer is a Singapore-based life coach
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