It is hard to believe that we are 10+ months into the Covid-19 pandemic. In the United States, some cities and states initiated a lockdown in March; for others it came later and for others – there never was a full lockdown. In reviewing indoor eating options in the U.S., there are only a handful of states with “no indoor dining” which means about 45 states are allowing indoor eating to some extent. This illustrates the varying responses to the pandemic across the nation.
The Covid-19 pandemic has become politicized, dividing individuals, families, counties, states to reacting and handling the virus so differently. Regardless of what your State Governor enacted since March, the questions to ask yourself and reflect on are:
What have you observed about yourself with regards to the pandemic? How have you reacted? Have you been scared, anxious, nervous, pragmatic, negative, positive, hopeful, worried, non-reactive, caring? selfish or selfless? Or a combination of these throughout?
Can you step outside yourself for a moment and reflect on these questions.
- What was my initial reaction to the pandemic?
- Has my reaction changed? If so, what changed my reaction?
- How would I describe my reaction?
- What does my reaction say about me?
- What part of my reaction served me? And part of my reaction served others? Who are the others? Essential workers, businesses, the jobless, the homeless?
What does my reaction to the pandemic say about me?
What I have come to recognize is that many people in my circle are reacting to the pandemic in a similar manner. But I wonder in a world where we can so easily surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, can we go a bit deeper to think about different viewpoints? What is it like for a healthcare worker at a hospital right now? What is it like for individuals who are more vulnerable? Can I imagine a different train of thought?
While some people are staying at home and only going out for essential work and needs, there are others living their life as if there is nothing to worry about. If you are on the side of staying home, you are perplexed by those who are going on about their lives in normal fashion. If you are living your life to the fullest despite the pandemic, you might also feel perplexed by those staying home – perhaps they are over-reacting.
While we cannot change how certain individuals have responded to the pandemic, we can observe our own reaction and learn from it.
What have you observed about yourself?
What can you learn about your reaction? Have you been selfish or self-serving? Have you been compassionate or could you be more compassionate? Is it possible to observe your reactions and not judge yourself. Can you have compassion for yourself?
Based on your observation – would you change how you react then, now or in the future?
There is a lot here to consider. I suggest getting out a blank piece of paper or a journal. Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and write what comes to mind. It could be beneficial to you now or something you can tuck away and read in fives years from now (like a time capsule). Remember the important thing is to observe, not judge, have compassion and if possible, can you grow from what you observe about yourself.