The present pandemic is wreaking havoc the world over cutting through economies, cultures and geographies. People are losing their loved ones to the virus with no clear solution yet in sight despite reports of promising developments in the relentless search for a cure and the dreaded infection is still spreading despite the best efforts around the globe. Healthcare systems of even the most developed countries are overloaded and proving ineffective in containing it, schools are shut with children caught in the uncertainty and their academic schedule in complete disarray. Employees are losing their jobs and companies are staring at bankruptcies in the very near future with no possible solution in sight. Economies around the world are turning their undivided attention to containing the pandemic and pumping in considerable resources for the same while billions are being spent on bailouts and medical aids.
On an individual level, Covid-19 is proving to be a huge stressor tormenting the collective psyche and triggering fears and apprehensions the world over.
However, amidst the uncertainties and overarching fear, there are still a few things that should brighten up our lives and make it that much more bearable. Perhaps the biggest positive change and one which is the most visible would be the change in the environment. With the drastic decrease in industrial activities and almost zero traffic, be it road, rail or air, the atmosphere has improved and pollution is at its lowest level ever since the industrial revolution around the world. The present pandemic has proven to be a boon in disguise for the environment and nature has been given an opportunity to heal itself.
Another upside is the amount of time we get to spend with our families and near ones which, a few months ago would seem such a difficult task what with all the social and professional obligations and schedules. Right now, despite almost all these social activities being curtailed or completely forbidden, life goes on.
We have learnt to adapt and improvise for all the gyms, shopping, meetings, social engagements and even office which occupied almost all our waking hours. We also have the opportunity to sit back and reflect on our priorities, and make changes as the world after the current pandemic would need to adapt and evolve. The virus has also forced governments and organizations across the globe to break the bureaucratic and organizational hurdles and red-tapism and act swiftly, proving effectively that if there is a strong enough stimulus, things can change and old systems can be discarded instantly.
Challenging times such as the present pandemic also offer a great opportunity for social bonding and other ways of reconnecting and extending help. Despite the inability to physically travel and meet people, the feeling of being together against the fight has fostered a feeling of oneness, and as evident in the state and elsewhere, individuals and groups have been extending help and assistance to others by way of cash and kind thereby increasing social coherence. The biggest gain perhaps, from the psychological point of view is the fact that humans are put into our rightful place and are being taught that we cannot and do not control everything around us. All it takes is a virus to drive home the point. Like it or not, we need to accept the fact that things cannot always go the way we want, and no matter how much we live in the Anthropocene- the era characterized by significant human impact- we are not in control. This virus is also making us realize the people who make a difference to our lives and learn to appreciate their roles and efforts. It has made us more conscious of our surroundings and learnt to live with less. In a way we are at the juncture of an important point of evolution.
