How do we seek normalcy in the time of a pandemic? How can we be hopeful that this will be all over soon?
Seeking normalcy in the time of a pandemic, isn’t this what we all are doing? Let’s hope and pray that this will be all over soon. When our world is grappled with the coronavirus (COVID-19), how can we stay rational and not feel panicked?
Let’s get first things first. We are forced indoors for our safety and the safety of the society that we live. We must follow protocols set by our government for our health and avoid this pandemic from being a disaster.
In the east, Maharashtra (India), where I come from, celebrated the festival of Gudi Padwa (Maharashtrian New Year) today. A new year brings in new hope. People usually have guests over, cook yummy food, and celebrate this day with their loved ones. However, currently, India is on lockdown to curb the virus. So, people took to celebrating this festival in their home. Even if they couldn’t go out and do their usual rituals followed on this day, people got dressed up, wished their loved ones via social media, enquired about their wellbeing, and cooked delicacies from the ingredients they had at home. Such is the human spirit. Life goes on, and so do we! The virus can restrict us to our homes, but it cannot break the human spirit. This is clearly why the human race is still surviving and will continue to thrive.
In the west, Canada, where I currently am, is just getting over a harsh winter and looking forward to a refreshing summer. Before enjoying the sunshine, we too have been restricted to our homes for the sake of humanity. Though not on a complete lockdown as yet, the government has okayed it to take a walk, however maintaining social distancing.
As I took a walk to a nearby park today, I saw a few people managing to get their daily sunshine and exercise by cycling, running, or walking their dogs. However, the essence that needs to acknowledged here is there awareness of maintaining a social distance. People gladly stepped aside as they saw someone about to cross their path and greeted each other with a nod as though accepting that we are all in this together.
A pretty picture that I saw further down the road is what prompted me to write this article in the first place. I noticed two teenagers doing dance practice. Now, what is so special about dance practice? These young women practiced social distancing as they rehearsed their steps. There was a teenager at the top of the stairs of a house. The other one was at the bottom of the steps, both facing each other and practicing. The beauty of this scenario is that these teenagers are young and acting responsibly. I wish to go a step further and say that this virus didn’t stop them from continuing to live their lives and even enjoying it. These are the small things that give you hope for a better and healthier tomorrow.
When it comes to hope, the oblivious furry friends aren’t too far behind. Enjoying the company of their owners, they take a carefree walk, enjoy the green grass, and are at their playful best. They invoke a sense of hope and happiness around us; that soon, it is all going to be alright.
We must understand that it is a critical time for all of us to listen to what the government has planned for our safety, not gathering in groups, maintain social distancing, and also avoid being outside if on a lockdown. In other words, we need to let go of our freedom a little to win this war.
But, to win a war, we first need to believe. To believe, we need hope, and it is in these small daily activities that we can find the strength and hope we need. The hope is that we will come out on the other side of this pandemic stronger and united, the hope that we will prevail.
So, don’t panic and trust that this too shall pass. See you on the other side; happy quarantine guys! Keeping hope alive!
P.S. — A special shoutout to the health workers all over the world, “You guys are our soldiers defending and protecting us. Thank you!”
