Right now, after 6 weeks of lock down and social distancing due to Covid-19, I hear many people talking about and wishing for being able to go back to normal. What does "normal" mean? Yet is it even possible to go back to that world?
For the past 6 weeks we could not do or go to where we desired. We had to stay home, not leave the house except for absolute necessities. These weeks represented the biggest interrupt we humans have experienced in modern times. At the same time, the earth was able to take a deep breath with so much less pollution and animals could relax. Sometimes, I can't help it to have the feeling that the earth sent us to our rooms since we had not been willing to listen to her requests.
What did we learn during this interrupt? That we could work in a different way. Some of us being able to work from home. That we did not have to spend that much time on the road? That we could interact with each other in a more personal way, not just by phone, Facebook, or Instagram. And yet, these were the tools to say in touch with those we were close to.
The longer the lock down, the more intolerance showed up, some attacking those who did not share the point of view, who had a different perspective. There was a pretense of caring for others hidden behind what was considered right, while others truly cared.
Did we use the time to contemplate or were we frustrated that there was not enough distraction? What was on our minds during that time?
I wonder how many people are aware of the fact that with every choice each one of us makes, we create a tomorrow. What do we desire these tomorrows to be? What kind of world would we like to live in? Have we given that a thought? Were we happy in the world we had before Covid-19 or is there something else we would like?
How much is the earth part of your world? The conversation about climate change, global warming has stopped due to Covid-19. The air pollution has gone down tremendously. Yet air pollution is just one aspect. The earth is our home. How would we like our home to be like? Are we willing to take care of our home? In what ways can we do that? Could we contribute to the earth instead of waiting for politicians to take any action?
Bt now, you may say to yourself: Boy, she is asking a lot of questions. Why isn't she telling what to do? Great observation! I know what is true for me and that does not have to be true for you. I would like for you to find out what is true by giving you questions that can lead you there. See nature loves diversity. What makes us humans think one size fits all? What if we can be as diverse and that diversity is a contribution to creating a wonderful world?
What could be the new normal?