I am a writer. Words are my tools of trade. But despite having had the want to write about the current situation we are all trying to come to terms with, I have struggled to find the words; or rather, pin down the right ones.
What I usually hope to do with my writing is to entertain, soothe and inform gently but with the current pandemic, words suddenly seem so small, genuine expressions of care appear inconsequential and as for giving information – no one can give directions with an uncharted map.
The speed with which the whole world has been touched by this virus took us all by surprise and by doing so, we have been caught off guard. Human nature when faced with danger is to react with fight, flight or freeze and I feel we have seen evidence of these in inherently natural initial reactions such as panic buying, blame pointing, denial and other individualistic self-preserving behaviours.
But this is unsustainable and a large part of what makes us human is our ability to take control of our own minds, to stand outside ourselves and reflect. Now we are starting to see the more beautiful and positive side of our species and it feels as if we are on a cusp, we are at the dividing line between two very different states and we are poised to write our own preface. We have been disorientated, but in this moment of pause we are beginning to look beyond ourselves alone. People are campaigning for the rights of others. Communities are creating networks to look after those in most need. Friends and families are calling and checking in on each other in a way we always had the chance to before, but didn’t until we were shown the importance of the act by the threat of not being able to do so.
We have a long way to go. We have barely begun in fact and the repercussions of this world-encompassing event will last for generations; but we have a choice, in large, as to what those repercussions will be.
We can choose our behaviour to be that which is best for everyone not just for us; but we can also choose to forgive those who have not yet found their way to doing so – they are scared, perhaps unwilling to face the reality of their world turned upside-down and hating them won’t change them. Show them with your actions the kinder way to live. They still might not change, but your efforts will be of greater good than hating.
We can choose what we share and how we share it. When you are poised to forward a link, press post or send; think before you do of what reaction it will provoke. If all it will do is make people feel worse without providing any course for positive change, then perhaps it is not helpful. I’m not saying ignore the injustices, we must get angry about some things and hold certain people/governments/businesses to account for their behaviour; but sharing negative things with shouts of bad and boo hiss will not change anything. Ask, what can I/we do? If there is absolutely nothing you can do to influence positive change in a situation, perhaps put it to one side and look for something you can help with.
We can choose, as a species, to reflect on not only where we are, but where we want to go when we are through this. We have all become hyper aware of what are our fundamental basic needs: healthy sustenance, a roof over our heads, nature to see and breathe, family and friends, good health, education, work. These are what we NEED. All the rest: consumerism, air travel, stuff, stuff, stuff – how important do these things feel now?
I am not saying what has happened is a good thing, not in the least. I have family working front line including in hospital, and others in the highly at risk group – and I am terrified for them. But I dare to hope in these difficult times that the majority of us will choose to be kind, will choose to fight only with positive action for positive change, will choose to look at need over want, will choose to share what will help instead of what will cause distress and will choose always to be ‘we’ not ‘I.’
I wish everyone the hug they need right now or a cheesy thumbs up, a shoulder to cry on or a laugh to be shared. Stay home. Stay safe. Be kind. We will get through this.