About two months into the lockdown and the mind cannot help but explore itself for thoughts, ideas and some deep introspection. We spent the initial phases simply dealing with the overwhelming changes. We then spent the next period talking about more and better ways to handle the new normal. The discussions and idea-sharing increased. We all became used to the sheer volume of virtual communication. The new normal began to feel almost, well, normal.
And then came a period of silence. Globally, people were settling into the changed lifestyles, and it didn’t feel like as much of a hot topic of discussion anymore. The virtual workplace, a sea of webinars and tons of online activities – Technology has enabled us to adapt to change quite fast.
Through all of this, through constant self-reflection, it has I have realised the importance of taking a step back: from the turbulence, from the “dealing with”, from the problem-solving, to just find the bright side.
What have I gained? What have I learnt? How have I changed? How have my surroundings changed?
Here’s a glimpse into some of the bright sides I have found in this period.
From the virtual to the real
While communication in general has certainly become largely virtual, there is a certain beauty in the whole family getting tired of their gadgets at the end of the day, and turning to each other for solace. This is definitely a welcome change from the time when parents needed to tell kids to just detach from their screens. Voluntarily putting away phones at home to sit and have a genuine heart to heart with your family or even your roommate – This need has become so much more magnified after our social isolation norms came into play. And what could be better than human connection?
Even the mundane can be profound
The next time you’re doing a mundane task like filling water bottles or cleaning the kitchen counter, just take a minute to stop and focus on your thoughts. You will probably find that either your mind is calming all its daily stressors away, or that you’re having the most productive of thoughts and ideas in that moment. As for the general process of cleaning and decluttering? The sheer satisfaction of tidying and beautifying a space, and then pausing to observe your own handiwork – It can feel hugely fulfilling! These snatches of time spent with the self are quite priceless.
Strong empathy like never before
Never before, at least in our lifetimes, have we actually witnessed Mother Earth healing. Though we are in a lockdown situation, not only are we reading about reduced pollution levels, we’re also seeing the freshness of the greenery outside our windows, not to mention the improved air quality. It’s quite an experience, and will hopefully teach us in the future that the decades of damage done to our planet is actually something we can solve. At the same time, I and many others I have spoken to, have become increasingly aware of our privilege. There are millions out there who are struggling through life and it’s our duty to not just help them, but also to never again take our lives and luxuries for granted.
Becoming whole through wholesome living
If you haven’t experienced the joy of preparing your own meals or even meals for your loved ones, then I’d highly recommend it. Knowing that you have not only poured in the freshest of ingredients, but have also added heart and soul into your cooking, can be a great feeling. A lot has changed with the lockdown – From more cooking, healthier eating and focused exercise, to dedicated meditation, reading and writing. Having to choose domestic options to pass time and attain peace of mind can actually be a blessing in disguise. Many of us are investing more time and energy in self-care than ever before.
Savouring the little joys
Social media is filled with some of the most wonderful updates of people’s lockdown lives. From sharing recipes to finding a new love for plants, from discovering the passion of painting, to evening family portraits – In such times, the little joys of life are actually the biggest sources of happiness. For me, personally, it’s the early morning task of drying out washed clothes with my son. An unlikely way to spend time with one’s kids? Well, helping him learn the most basic of household tasks, while getting that precious quality time, chatting and laughing – What could be more perfect?
These are turbulent times, and there are undoubtedly numerous challenges to overcome. However, to get through and to more importantly, learn from it, I urge each one of you to identify the bright sides in your life and really, truly embrace them.
Ruhie Pande 