Learn Valuable Lessons Despite Challenges

For some, immediate survival is the only agenda at the moment. For others, it is a challenge to face the uncertainty and figure out new ways of dealing with the new normal, once the lockdown enforced on account of the Covid-19 coronavirus is eased. The pandemic has most unexpectedly thrown a collective challenge and shaken up all of us, globally. It is a poignant reminder that human life is very fragile. Also, that our circumstances do not define our lives so much as what we make of those circumstances. So this adversity could also be seen as a learning opportunity.

When physical access to wise teachers is not possible, one can turn to the following three teachers for their unique lessons:

Nature: We stand humbled by a microorganism that is invisible. In our arrogance of taking control over the whole planet, we have forgotten that we are also part of the natural habitat and planetary ecosystem. From ants to anacondas and from bats to bears, all play a key role in maintaining the ecosystem balance.  Living in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, we have to take ownership of and responsibility for our actions.

We can no longer afford to ignore our linkages with animals and the environment. Nature teaches us wonderful lessons about peaceful coexistence and reverence for all life.

Uncertainty: There is much that we do not know and will not know for some time. There is uncertainty everywhere. The derailed economy, the complex business environment, changes in work practices, the stressed and overworked health care professionals. The burdened infrastructure… the list is long. We have no control over the outcomes. As a result, our default response is to refer to the past or worry about the future. Maybe the state of uncertainty unleashed by this crisis is a chance to develop  a meaningful relationship with the present. By nurturing awareness, flexibility and resilience we could break ingrained patterns of behaviour that sap our energy.

A deliberate pause in the middle of the day would help in staying conscious and present. In that moment of mindfulness, problems open up as possibilities… Is there anything i can do now, at least, for others? Then again, by focusing on problems that can be solved  and not on the ones  that  cannot,  one can move to  constructive action  in  the present moment.

Gratitude: With so much death and disease around, is gratitude even relevant in the current context, you may well ask.  But look how the worst has brought out the best in us.  Look at the flood of loving, caring and giving we see the world over. Gratitude can take many forms. – of sharing money, food, time, attention, ideas and kindness with those who are deprived of these – and will make a difference to many lives. When the storm blows over and the dust settles down, we will realize how little we need,  how much we take things for granted  and how much we really have, that is valuable.

Gratitude is an empowering emotion. The best thing about gratitude is that when you feel grateful, there is no room for feeling fearful.  These two emotions simply cannot co-exist. Gratitude is an antidote for anxiety,  depression and uncertainty. Research tells us that gratitude can boost our immune system. Who would not want that now?