Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shown us the delicate and intricate ecosystem of life. A disease can jump from animals to humans and spread in a flash by one person affecting many. We are vulnerable to such existential threats on a global scale and yet, equally resilient and unified in the face of challenge.
Aside from socioeconomic changes humanity will experience as a result of COVID-19, there are even deeper lessons we can learn from this pandemic to create a more meaningful and sustainable future on Earth. Our collective response starts with each person’s inner consciousness and moves outward to our environment at large.
1. Awaken to a Deeper Awareness
As a human species, we can become more resilient and connected through inner awareness. Let’s face it, we are complex beings, susceptible to mental and physical malfunction in a VUCA world. Our bodies normally work to maintain a state of homeostasis or regulation. When faced with threatening stimuli (change), however, our autonomic nervous system triggers a flight, fight or freeze response. Our brains respond slowly to “distant” threats like climate change and quickly to imminent, physiological threats like Coronavirus.
Humans experience predictable emotions during any change. For example, we typically feel hesitation, anxiety or uncertainty before initiating change. In the context of COVID-19, we are feeling a mix of emotions, at the core, grief and loss. The key to quickly moving through the change curve depends on how quickly humans can identify and adapt to the stage of change they’re experiencing, and at the end, shift skillfully from despair to hope.
We must recognize that we do not have complete control over our lives at all times. When unplanned, unexpected and uncertain events like Coronavirus hit, how do you surrender to what you cannot control and focus your energy on what you can? Better yet, how do you improvise or innovate solutions on the fly? How do you remain fluid and in the “flow” of life’s many little (and big) surprises?
Many of us will look back on COVID-19 to realize the meaning of the situation months or years after it’s over. In truth, Coronavirus has already given us the opportunity to build greater self-awareness by broadening our mindsets so that we can tackle greater economic and social challenges.
2. Rethink the Value of Time and Space
With the rise of technological advancements, we move at rapid speed across all aspects of our lives. Each workday, we’re constantly checking social media, responding to emails, accepting phone calls, running to meetings and traveling for conferences. Outside of work, we’re juggling errands, extra commitments and activities. The result? We’re moving and thinking so quickly that few of us can embrace, appreciate and live in the present moment.
Technological advancements have also extended the average human lifespan, which leads many of us to believe we will all live long, healthy lives. The reality is there are unexpected events that suddenly cut life short, such as car accidents or an unprecedented diagnosis. COVID-19 has shown how something so unprecedented – a virus – can wreak havoc on human life.
From this, humanity at large can learn to become more mindful of time and develop a more focused awareness on those aspects of life that truly matter. We may spend time with loved ones, but many of us may spend more time doing mundane tasks, unnecessarily traveling, or working in a role that could have a greater impact. Isn’t time with loved ones what matters most?
While COVID-19 has forced us to reevaluate multiple aspects of society, there’s greater meaning that can be found from the pandemic. Think about virtual experiences of connecting with loved ones from the confines of your home. Humanity at large can redefine time and transcend space to effectively create more meaningful connections.
What small changes can we implement to make better use of time and space? Consider these:
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- Reduce time commuting to work or traveling to conferences by using virtual technologie
- Minimize unnecessary tasks and meetings and prioritize purposeful, fulfilling commitments
- Create physical boundaries that separate work and life to maintain balance
- Connect online with diverse people across borders and time zones to broaden your perspective
By simplifying the aspects that matter most, we amplify positive impact on our lives and communities.
3. Listen to Nature Talking
As mentioned, we’re living in a delicate ecosystem where all life is interconnected. It took a while to implement policies to help flatten the curve on COVID-19, and unfortunately, that same slow pace is reflective of our nation’s response to climate change. While we are progressing to flattening the curve on COVID-19, we need to flatten the curve on climate change, which is quite possibly the greatest threat to mankind.
Due to travel and commuting restrictions, COVID-19 has led to unexpected reductions in CO2 emissions, and in effect, better air quality. In many places, COVID-19 fatality is directly correlated to poor air quality as a result of patients’ respiratory risks.
Infectious diseases that spread from animals to humans (called zoonoses) are on the rise, posing major threats to global health, food systems, economies and security. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around 60 percent of all infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic as are 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases. The emergence of zoonotic diseases such as West Nile Virus, SARS, MERS and, now, COVID-19 have all originated from close contact between humans and wild animals in live animal markets, animal trafficking and other dangerous wildlife exploitation.
Ten years ago, the BP Deep Water Horizon disaster released thousands of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying or seriously sickening mammals, birds, fish and other wildlife. Our earthly carrying capacity for economical and ecological regeneration is diminishing at a horrifying rate (think COVID-19 times 10). Reversing or even slowing the Earth’s ticking clock toward global collapse means less human strain on the planet.
With April 22 marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, let’s celebrate global solidarity and planetary care for our shared home. Consider simple, practical and economic actions after this global pause, such as:
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- Reduce unnecessary activities that create expenses and waste (i.e. excessive work travel)
- Vote to save wildlife and wild places; respect animals and their habitats by what you buy and eat
- Support planet-smart efforts like Faith Climate Action Week and GlobalGiving Climate Action Campaign
The rise of automobiles, airplanes and ride-sharing services have transformed the way we travel. The invention of a computer changed the way we work and collaborate. Such transformations demonstrate the power of human intellect, innovation and creativity. COVID-19 holds similar revelations for humanity, the economy and the environment. Coronavirus is broadening our understanding that we, as humans, have a great impact on the future we choose to create. By deepening our awareness, rethinking the value of time/space and listening to nature, we build the capacity to evolve our collective consciousness and realize new, life-supporting possibilities. WHO’S WITH ME??
