Pausing and resting are preconditions for healing. Without pausing, we are more likely to function on autopilot mode, not really being able to make conscious choices about how to respond to our life situation. The ability to pause, step back, and reflect, enables us to shift perspectives, create options and choose wisely. Whenever our mind becomes scattered, we can use our breath as the means to take hold of our mind again.
The perspective we choose to take defines how we experience reality. Nothing exists outside of how we interpret or perceive what is happening around us. We do not have to be a passive sponge to all the information that we receive. We can practice checking the facts and sifting for essential and credible information that helps us engage in wise action. We can be intentional about the reality we are creating instead of allowing fear and panic to win over our better judgment.
Presence means being open and kind to ourselves, recognizing and accepting our emotions whatever they are, and pausing for moments of self-care. We cannot share what we don’t have. When we are able to be compassionate with ourselves, we can be present to people around us with kindness and understanding. This quality of presence crosses the gap of social distancing to offer genuine care and connection.
Experiences that remind us of our vulnerability & life’s impermanence can often trigger our anxiety & fear. These same realities can teach us that life is precious & each moment can be made meaningful when we connect with our deeper purpose. Perhaps our busyness has made us lose sight of our true north. We can take the time to reflect and dare to look within, grounding our choices and actions in what it really is that gives us true happiness. If you happen to be in the frontlines of fighting this crisis, especially as a healthcare professional, you can boost your wellbeing by connecting to your higher purpose and committing to something bigger than yourself. Your positive contribution is making all the difference in the world right now and you deserve to feel good about the benefits of your sacrifice.
People who take part in positive collective action increase their wellbeing and resilience, according to studies on people who engage in volunteerism. While we might not all be called to “active duty” in controlling this pressing situation, finding something we can do to help or assist others can empower us to overcome the gravity of helplessness and hopelessness. Participating in positive collective action may also entail being responsible in sharing information that might cause panic and confusion, strictly adhering to health advisories, and staying at home to prevent the virus from spreading to more vulnerable persons.
We can only fuel our efforts if we have the faith, vision, and imagination to get to our desired destination. It might feel like a long stretch to finish line. But let us not forget the story of the football team and their coach who were rescued from the Tham Luang cave in Thailand in 2018. The whole world held its breath at the dangerous rescue of the boys through the 2.5 mile stretch of narrow passages and muddy waters. Each one of them making it through the tunnel alive. The COVID-19 has indeed already taken thousands of lives but protecting millions of others and stopping the contagion is a possibility. We can all as one human family keep our sight firmly focused on the goal until we make it out from the tunnel of this pandemic.
