Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all Beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others. I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.
— Dali Lama
What are we learning right now?
COVID-19 is more than a global pandemic. This virus is our spiritual teacher. It has massively shut down our daily activities … its vast impact still undetermined. Uncertainty abounds. Yet, we can surely agree that we are witness to untold powerful forces.
Shaken and Stirred
COVID-19 has flipped us upside down. This event intersects with every aspect of our existence on Earth. Time, work, relationships, travel, technology and the economy are forever changed. Through the lens of this illness we clearly see the power of illusion over truth. Already we adapt and tap into our inner self for answers. Resilience is essential, not optional.
We can no longer grind away at life. We are being asked to live to the fullest, with the highest version of ourselves wholly present and authentic. COVID-19’s invasion requires us to look straight on at monumental change and to believe solutions will be found.
We can appreciate mankinds’ monumental task to find an answer to this vast threat which challenges every aspect of our way of life, including life itself.
Do something!
Be grateful. If you can read this message from the comfort of your home, say thank you. Share gratitude with everyone around you.
Humor over Plight
COVID-19 is not funny, but the quarantine tickles our global funny bone in unexpected ways. From virtual dance parties to home videos of hibernation activities, we rally around humor to pull us up through the trenches. Humor assigns meaning to life in new and inventive ways.
Humor frees our bodies and minds to relax and chill out. It gives us a pleasurable pause in between news updates and restrictions. In other words, humor is essential.
Do something!
Watch “Some Good News” videos for a global peek at the power of humor and inspiration.
Compassion over Ego
COVID-19 expands our definition of empathy. Faced with mortality, our hearts expand. Compassionate encounters bear witness to countless stories of medical caregivers, teachers, mental health professionals and many others who choose heart over illness. These amazing individuals personify strength over suffering.
We can no longer judge or minimize others’ pain because this pain belongs to all of us. COVID-19 puts us directly in touch with our own and others’ feelings. Suffering moves us – compassion lifts us beyond ourselves.
Do something!
Call a friend or neighbor to make sure they are okay.
Kindness over Crisis
COVID-19 expands the definition of kindness. In tough times we are tempted to close our eyes and ask someone to make it go away. Not now. Every single human is now called to task. Do you stand for kindness or crisis? What do you want to remember 10 years from now – how you lived or how you gave away your power?
Lots of choices show up in times of chaos. Let us move beyond threats and into potential. We must each determine to look for opportunities to heal, grow and thrive.
Do something!
Advocate for kindness. If you could hold up a sign right now, what would it read?
“It’s essential to relate sanely to our globe’s difficult times. We don’t need to add more depression, discouragement, or anger to what’s already here.
— Pema Chödrön
Unity over Separation
Split agendas and divisiveness lead nowhere. COVID-19 creates an unprecedented global phenomenon with an unpredictable ripple effect. We cannot shut out the world. We have to lean on each other for support, problem-solving and community.
Today we have an opportunity to practice togetherness in new ways. Through community we renew the spirit of optimism and remind each other that we are not alone.
Do something!
Awake over Asleep
COVID-19 is not about winning or losing. We are being asked to awaken our souls and remain awakened. Humanity has been in a deep ego slumber for eons. Our preferences for war, dominance, anger and bitterness have gone on long enough.
Must we continue inflicting pain and suffering onto ourselves and others? Or can we recognize the precious opportunity before us – to answer the call of Peace, Love and Joy? The incentive to wake up, to rise up means we rise ready to infuse the world with more authenticity, deeper connection and the resolve to trust our intuition more than our rational minds.
Do something!
Inspire yourself with affirmations, prayers, music and poetry. When you lift up yourself the world resonates with your good vibes!
Creativity over Mental Pressures
COVID-19 triggers trauma, stress and frustration. It teaches us how to hit the reset button in a big way. Regardless of our profession, the pandemic asks us to reflect on what really matters – stress or flow? Limits or possibilities?
We surely believe that the solution to resuming everyday activities requires imagination and innovation not stress. Lasting outcomes require vision more than a dismal outlook. Raise the bar, take a leap of faith. Healing is happening and the Divine is present.
Do something!
Quarantine with purpose and volunteer with Be My Eyes. Use your gift of sight to help someone with no or low-vision navigate their surroundings.