On The Positive Side Of A Pandemic

These are painful, difficult times. There is a lot of uncertainty in our world and it is so hard to see so many people suffering. However, there are also many beautiful, magical, heroic moments happening everywhere on the planet.

These moments of unity and love, occurring at the same time as so much hardship and pain is occurring, is what will matter most in the end. It is important during times like this to balance the darkness with the light. In today’s post, I wish to therefore focus on some of these more uplifting, inspirational trends of recent weeks.

There is a man in Spain whose upstairs neighbor was in the hospital due to a Covid-19 infection. The man reached up high every night and fed the hospitalized man’s dog on the balcony of his apartment, thus keeping the dog alive throughout the owner’s hospitalization. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can have the most lasting impact.

In some places, pet shelters have been emptying with more people recently adopting cats and dogs as companions. In the process more animals are being spared euthanasia and given good homes. Many people are now being comforted and loved by their new fur babies during a difficult time.

Nurses, doctors, truck drivers, janitors, grocery store workers and many other service workers are now being praised as heroes. There is a new appreciation for the important work they do. Some wealthy people have donating money, time and energy to feed people and support the unemployed.

It’s when we start working together that the real healing takes place ~ David Hume

People also are spending more time with their children and families. People are tuning back to what is really important in life. Parents are home schooling their children, while developing a newfound appreciation for teachers! Some are sewing face masks or donating face masks to hospitals. Even my favorite online scrapbooking store donated face masks!

Nations are uniting. Countries and states who can afford it, due to their own progress, are sending their neighbors their unused equipment and supplies. and giving advice on how to fight this effectively. People from countries all over the world are clapping and cheering every day, to thank all of the people making sacrifices to help others. In my rural area, people are howling at night in order to make sure everyone is safe and to feel connected!

I received this inspiring note from one of my Yoga students about the personal change she has experienced because of recent events.

Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light ~ Albus Dumbledore

I had a total mind shift yesterday. For the past eight years I have said these things. If I could only drink more water and use the bathroom whenever I wanted. If I could only do laundry throughout the day, and not at night, or all weekend.

If only I could go to the grocery store anytime I wanted, rather than in the evening rush after work. If only I could cook and prep meals for my kids, rather than stopping to get take-out between practices. If only I had as much time with my kids as their teachers do. I only could have a few more hours in a day and not feel rushed all the time.

I didn’t realized how rushed my life was until we stopped rushing. I now finally have all of those things I have always asked for. It may be short-lived, but I will take every minute of it. I feel light, and happy, and a weight lifted.

I’ve had so many of my students tell me they have slowed down their lives. They are making the most of their time in silence and solitude. They can now read, process, heal and think. People are healing their souls and families.

Meanwhile, endangered turtles are able to lay their eggs again safely. Pollution is clearing up. The skies are clearer. The ocean is cleaner. Mother Earth is healing.