To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has effortlessly changed our reality with the snap of its unseen fingers might not be far from truth. With millions infected, the race to find a cure is a race for survival. It has caused much suffering and sorrow in the world.
Every day, we see the numbers shoot up, and those in power have not offered reason to be hopeful because of the petty bickering, braggadocio and indiscernible explanations that repeats itself.
According to worldometers.info (April 27, 2020), we have 2,994,958 Coronavirus cases and 206,997 deaths. And while there have been 878,955 recoveries, the graphs show an astounding upward trend that has yet to reach the top of the hill.
On the other hand, ordinary people are showing us what it is like to do extraordinary work. The janitors, cleaners and hospital aides have become heroes whilst working tirelessly and lacking personal protective equipment. They and the countless doctors, nurses and other medical personnel have lost their lives in trying to save ours, and for this we honor them and raise their names up to the heavens that they might find peace and eternal happiness.
COVID-19 has single-handedly put a dark cloud above, but it has also brought back a couple of things into the fore. Here is a list of things that I have seen, though incomplete, of the brighter side of life while in lockdown for a few weeks already. Here goes...
First of all, who would have thought that it will become fashionable to wear designer face masks! LOL
But seriously, a team of fashion designers here in the Philippines, headed by Mich Dulce, teamed up with Philippine Vice President Robredo to produce a reusable protective gear for COVID-19 frontliners.
Using Taffeta Silver Back Lining, the water repellent fabric can be reused and disinfected multiple times. The base design was based on an existing pattern used against the SARS and will be shared freely with anyone.
People have the opportunity to practice generosity and compassion
This pizza delivery guy, buys bread with the tip he gets, and gives it out to people on the street during the lock-down. I mean, who does this. I saw this on TV and thought it was a good example of a person, not well-off, but still able to offer what he can to help people who really need help. It's simply amazing. Kudos to you man.
24 Hours Seems Longer Now
Because of the lock-down, all of us have more time to do what we have always wanted to do: to learn a new language, to exercise, to cook, to meditate, to read a book, to communicate and reconnect with long lost friends, to clean the house, etc… the sky is the limit!
Having said that, we cannot use the “I have no time to do this” as an excuse for anything, which helped me muster enough strength to cough up this post in a jiffy.
More importantly, we have the time to for self-improvement; think of it as a gift to oneself. And this gift can be used for personal improvement, to learn a professional advancement skill, increase our physical and mental health, or just to rest and rejuvenate so that we will be ready for whatever reality awaits us at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
The earth is breathing, less pollution, more oxygen
The evidence is clear. The lock-downs have allowed the earth to breathe. From Venice to Beijing, from Paris to Rome, and in many other places; pollution is down, Nitrogen Dioxide is down, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions will drop significantly because of the lock-downs.
And as if this isn't optimistic enough, scientist are now saying that the LARGEST OZONE LAYER, a 1 million square kilometre wide hole over the Arctic, has now closed during the COVID-19 lockdown. This has been confirmed by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) for the EU. It wasn't because of the lockdown, but "because of the polar vortex which are high-altitude currents bringing cold air to the polar regions". Still, it is pretty amazing and inspiring to hear.
Work Vs Family
I personally know a couple of friends who feel that they needed a vacation, but could not request to use their vacation or sick leave even if they were really sick! How sick is that (pun intended. lol)?!
Families have rediscovered each other. Parents who previously have no time to be with their children now have all the time in the world. Children who spend way too much time with their friends are now staying put at home. For this reason, it is good to be at home. Of course, there are also stories of families divided because of the lock-down, but that is for another post.
Gardening
People are starting to grow vegetables. And, while this might not feed your family for an extended period of time, this is still a positive. Connecting to the earth is grounding. It reconnects our energy and helps us to keep our wits about.
Life is Short
People now have the great opportunity to reflect about life and reconnect with the universe, nature, God. Time is the great equalizer. All of us only have 24 hours to spend in a day and I personally would not spend my time in the office for overtime work if I only had 24 hours to live. I will want to spend it with family, maybe look at my life while eating a hearty meal with my family or say "I love you" to my wife and children.
These are troubled times, but it is also a golden opportunity to realize what is truly important. And while it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to everyone's concerns, all of us have it. We only have to look inside.
My post is up to here for now. Thanks for reading and wishing all of us good health and happiness, and to enjoy the precious moments we have with our families. Stay safe everyone. :)
PS. I have joined the POSH engagement challenge meant to enliven the HIVE Blog. Please comment to have the chance to get rewarded.
~ https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218690167497668&set=a.4208322798674&type=3 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/food/733671/this-pizza-delivery-guy-saves-his-tips-to-buy-bread-to-give-away-to-people-on-the-streets/story/
~https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/environmental-benefits-of-coronavirus-pandemic-across-the-world/news-story/0c8e101c004d1d1b078c69dc4c6b5825 https://humanitypost.com/2020/04/27/earth-finally-fixed-largest-ozone-layer-hole/