With each quarantine day that passes, it seems that us humans are doing what we’ve always done best – adapt. As the new normal has begun to sink in and our routines have moulded to fit into this dystopian reality, I can’t help but reflect on what this pandemic has shown us. It’s unfortunate that this is what it sometimes takes to slow us down and take a breather, look and listen – but it’s another reminder that life will always show you what you need to see at some point or another. With all the extra down time, it’s helped me take a moment to reflect on what we can learn from this pandemic, and things to carry forward with us when the nightmare finally ends. I hope that we can take this monster of a virus and use it as a learning opportunity. Though it will be remembered for all the harm it caused and how it turned the globe upside down, my wish is that it will be a turning point for us all.
Health is wealth
The pandemic has really put a spotlight on the number one thing that tops everything in everyone’s list of priorities – health. All the dreams, ambition, and hard work is impossible to achieve or do without our health. Of course we know this – we know all of this! But COVID-19 has shown us just how grateful we should be to have a healthy beating heart, full lungs, and a sound body and mind. The time and effort people invest to ensure they’re treating their bodies right is not for nothing, and this time, more than ever, signifies the importance of taking care of the vessels were are all born into.
There is no plan(et) B
Quarantining has had a significant and unrecognisable impact on the environment. I almost couldn’t believe how much of a difference a few weeks made to the pollution levels and overall environmental health. In some parts of the world, it’s the first time in decades where the skies have cleared up and you can see what’s on the other side of the fumes. Why does it take a pandemic for our planet to heal? It’s been crying out for decades and this is the only time in years that it has been able to breath. My hope is that once the pandemic passes, we invest more in taking care of mother nature so that she doesn’t suffer like before again.
Gratitude
The rapid speed at which this has all happened is a reminder to not take any moment for granted. The good, the bad, the ugly – it’s all part of life. The small moments including the annoying humans we complain about, the traffic, the bad weather, the crowdedness of cities – oh how we would all take it back now. I don’t want to forget what this has been like, trapped inside to protect our lives. I pray I never forget, so that I never stop being grateful for each moment, lesson, and breath. There is so much to be thankful for but so often, it goes straight over our heads because we’re so busy stressing over life and all the meaningless things. Stop. Breathe. Put it into perspective. And remember the moments during this pandemic to remember what’s important.
Animals are our friends
Over the past few weeks, images have circulated online of caged animals. If there was ever a time to relate, it would be now although I feel bad for even making that trivial comparison. Animals are now the ones that are freely roaming the earth and our streets, while we have no choice but to stay inside and wish for the day to be completely free again. May we have more compassion in the future for the species that we co-exist on this planet with. The pandemic supposedly began by eating a live animal, which then transferred the virus into a human. Whether it’s true or not, it definitely poses an ironic lesson that we can hopefully learn from – let’s not mess around with our furry/non-furry friends because karma’s a real bitch.
One race
I saved this point for last because it’s the more hippie and more scrutinised opinion, but here goes. Something Reem and I bonded over so much was the common belief that we are connected to the universe, and everything in it. We’re connected to each and every human because we are of the same race. We’re connected to the plants and trees and animals and wildlife around us, because there’s an undeniable energy that flows through us. It’s inexplicable and sounds delirious when trying to describe out loud, but it’s something you feel to your core in your quietest moments.
Though we are constantly reminded of this by the most renowned life teachers, the pandemic is a stark reminder of that. It has impacted the whole world, bearing no discrimination or consideration of borders, ethnicities, cultures, religions, age, or personal beliefs, reminding us that we are all one and the same. What’s incredible about the current situation is that no part of the world is isolated from this, and nations around the globe are simultaneously going through it. And for the first time in a long, long time, it’s one collective race – the human race – united and fighting one common enemy. How different would the world be if our normal everyday lives consisted of global unity? It is something we can only wish for to remain post pandemic.
From reems read to you, we both hope everyone is keeping safe and healthy in mind and body. May we all treat this as a lesson and remember to be grateful everyday. We’d also like to thank all those on the frontlines that are doing the jobs we can’t do, and either saving lives or allowing us to live our lives.
Happy quarantining fellow humans!
- REEM INK
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