...and finding opportunities.
Set some time aside to explore these questions:
What could be the meaning of all this?
What positive outcomes might we expect, for the world, for our communities and for ourselves?
The search for meaning
There is no one answer to the first question. Its purpose is to focus our mind on confronting the challenge and actively looking for a positive outcome. It is up to each one of us to decide what meaning if any, we want to associate with what is happening right now.
But it is important that we ask this question. Searching for meaning is a natural human inclination, a uniquely human urge to try to make sense of the world.
The difference between passively assuming that we are at the mercy of circumstances and actively looking for answers, as well as seeking to learn from our experiences, is fundamental.
It is the difference between feeling helpless and trusting Life.
Or, simply put, the difference between despair and hope.
When we search for meaning we feel empowered. We replace fear with courage and anxiety with resilience.
Finding opportunities
Albert Einstein famously said: “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.”
What opportunities might this dramatic change in our society bring with it?
Spend some time exploring this question.
When you start looking for positive aspects, you will be surprised at how quickly your mind adapts and how many opportunities become suddenly apparent.
Might it be that our planet needed some rest and some breathing space?
Might it be that our communities had to be reminded about the importance of reaching out and showing kindness and solidarity?
Might it be that we all needed to slow down, go inwards and take time to reflect?
Might it be that governments around the world needed some pushing to start looking for a more humane and more egalitarian approach?
Might it be that it was time to be reminded just how important even the “smallest” of jobs are for all of us? To stop and thank all those people who work day in and day out so that our society can carry on?
Might it be that we needed to be forced to discover and to actually tap into the hugely positive aspects of technology? You know, like creating virtual communities, sharing cultural events, sports and music for free or simply staying in touch?
And what about all the families or friends or even colleagues who are spending more time with each other than they ever thought possible before?
Not to mention those of us who are now discovering our neighbours and our (basic) human need to be helpful and kind?
Perhaps we are simply being given more time to breathe, to love, to share.
Perhaps we are being given more time to learn.
Perhaps we are being given the opportunity to change our lives.
Perhaps we can take this opportunity to change our world.
You see, when we leave our natural worries to one side and allow ourselves to trust that Life always knows best, we start working with Life, rather than feeling helpless or trying to control it and thus working against it.
Learn to always look for the positive and to find an opportunity in every challenge.
That’s how characters are forged.
That’s how pearls are formed.
Activity:
Make a list of at least 10 positive aspects that you feel were triggered by the recent crisis in our society.
Then, in your discussions with your friends and family this week, or on online forums, share these thoughts with others. There is currently too much focus on negativity and people have forgotten to smile.
Be gentle, to yourself and others. Sadness and suffering have to be acknowledged and respected. But, whenever possible, see if you can change the discussion to point out something beautiful, something positive: acts of kindness, signs of hope.
By doing this you will contribute to raising, even by just a tiny bit, the vibration of the world. This is badly needed.
Thank you for playing your part.