“To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
The pandemic has slowed down the universe and forced us to be still. We have lost ourselves over the years by giving into indulgence, greed, and arrogance. We genuinely need to work on knowing the difference between loving and glorifying ourselves. Be mindful of the difference.
We have been going too fast, and we have lost the definition of a good life. We tell ourselves stories about what we need, and we become consumed with creating our idea of a perfect life. But now that we are going through this crisis, we have been forced to be still. How can we take advantage of this time and opportunity to reflect on our lives? What is it that we honestly need to persevere and how we can modify our behaviors to become better humans. We need to forgive ourselves, and instead of sabotaging our life as punishment, alternatively, we can learn from stressful situations and make adjustments so we can grow. The warnings came, the earth cried, but seldom did we listen. How could we have prepared for something like this? Was anyone ready for this? Did this come as a surprise to anyone? Now that we are here, what is the plan? Do you even have one? We shouldn’t place ourselves in the dwelling of penance for what we did or did not do. What we can do; is learn about ourselves and those around us during this time of silence.
It’s amusing how we continually tell ourselves, “I don’t have the time.” leaving our life and our dreams to chance. It has become habitual to say, I’m busy. Well, this is the time to work on those bad habits for better practices. The results in your life will, no doubt, be favorable. Tell me, what are we going to do? It blows my mind to see so much creativity from so many of you. Time has been handed to us, and it may never be given again. Let’s do something new, learn something new, cook something new, meet someone new. Hell, sleep on the other side of the bed for one night to break the usual cycle.
We are being programmed each time we are told what to do, what to hear, what to see. It’s time to learn the difference between following the advice or following the person. It’s our responsibility to have a good life, so be wise about your choices. Remember that every decision you make, everything you choose to do, and the people you select to associate with says a lot about who you are and where you’re going. My life and my stories have taught me great lessons. I find my experience can be a great example of how we can find peace even through the hardest, unexpected circumstances in life. Losing my job a few years ago was hard to manage. I became very depressed, and also had manic episodes (I’m Bipolar). It was freaking exhausting to think of doing something with this time given. My body and mind were no longer responding to what I thought was a balanced life. The chronic pain was taking over. The emotional rollercoaster was getting in the way, and I needed to somehow get back.
I am at a point now that I accept my weakness of always wanting to be in control. I am not in denial of that, so I became pro-active and looked for therapy. There are plenty of great therapists out there. Remember that at the end of it all, you own your heart, your mind, and your body. Take this time to reflect and tell yourself,
“Job well done!”