Open up to possibilities during the lockdown

And so, the lockdown has been extended. These are unprecedented times. However, this time, can be thought of even as a golden period. These hours that we suddenly have on our hands; it won’t be an overstatement to address them as the silver lining.

No, it’s not to deny the troubled times that our less fortunate counterparts are facing. But, once we have done our bit, these days there’ll still be time to kill. That’s the silver lining.

Nature is breathing, and breathing lavishly; perhaps ballooning up its lungs after ages. We might as well admire this lavishness. Taking the thought further after borrowing from a Whatsapp forward: Everything is not locked down. The sun is not locked down, the season is not locked down, relationships are not locked down, love is not locked down, reading is not locked down, learning is not locked down, music is not locked down, devotion is not locked down, imagination is not locked down, creativity is not locked down, conversations are not locked down, kindness is not locked down, and hope is not locked down. Everything is indeed not locked down!

So, why lament? We can’t control how long the pandemic will last, or the government’s decisions or if and when we’ll find a vaccine. But, we can control our attitude, what we focus on, who we connect with, and, our routine.

Coming to routine, let us get up at the same hours that we used to, pre-lockdown. The neurotransmitters hence secreted by the brain, as we get ready for the day, will be morale-boosting; because we’ll be moving according to the daily schedule.

Secondly, more than ever before now, our days are filled with online meetings, conference calls, Whatsapp commitments and a requirement for a peaceful spot within the household – from where concentrating during these screen hours will be less Herculean. Hence, to save the eyes (and other senses) from sensory overload, let us close the eyes and mentally transport ourselves to a soothing-cum-uplifting scenario – it could be a serene waterfall, or a happening discotheque – as suits one’s temperament. Let us regularly trick our mind to feel happy in this way, lest the staying indoor robs us of the zeal and enthusiasm at a subconscious level.

Thirdly, now is the time to stand and stare. Perhaps an opportunity provided by Mother Nature – to reassess our stand in life, to reorganise priorities if needed, and to surrender as we start afresh. Yes, starting afresh might connote with initiative, but a surrender to the flow of life is equally essential. It’s an ideal time to pause and reflect.

Resolve to make the Covid-19 induced environment a springboard to success. It’s possible, and will be, when calm prevails. Acceptance is the road to all change, so I choose to embrace the scenario and be thankful, for the safety of my home and family, for this blessing in disguise. Let’s choose to be thankful, so go for a paper and pen and put yourself through some gratitude therapy! Listing out blessings will go a long way.

IT’S THE TIME TO STAND AND STARE. A N OPPORTUNITY TO REASSESS OUR PRIORITIES AND START AFRESH