5 VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS FROM COVID-19

A family member shared this enlightening incident “Our maid asked us whether we were going to be travelling outside the country. She made it clear that she would not want to take the risk of working at our place if we were. She said the ‘virus’ came from people who travelled”. It was a moment of epiphany.

#Covid-19 is not just a #pandemic afflicting the world. It is a social equalizer for humanity as a whole. There is no more ‘them’ and ‘us’. It is our collective force as humans pitted against a powerful enemy that is challenging our fortitude, ego and resilience.

Here are 5 important life lessons that we need to imbibe in these tumultuous times:

1.   INTERDEPENDENCE

The cliché’ of the world being a global village is ringing true more than ever. The impact of this calamity which seemed to be belonging to one part of the world has become a global tsunami engulfing entire planet earth. One shudders to think about the economic and social upheaval it will leave behind in its trail as businesses big and small get hit and face debilitating consequences. This realization of our intertwined destinies is a valuable lesson to shape our world view and focus on our shared similarities rather than our perceived differences. Indeed, our very survival, is linked to appreciation of this underlying interdependence and oneness. It would be a gross fallacy to believe that the war against coronavirus can be fought independently, however powerful the resources anyone may have at their disposal. A combined counter offensive is the need of the hour and our togetherness the most potent resource.

2.   HUMILITY

A lot has been written and said about how the threat of the Corona virus was grossly underestimated with our reactions swinging between abject denial and false bravado. The world faces more questions than answers today. Our perception of human invincibility stands completely exposed as nations struggle to manage the onslaught of the dreaded pandemic. All our wisdom and intellect are crumbling under this, dare I say, man-made outbreak. It’s time to keep the hubris and fractured egos aside and embrace humility. To join hands and to be open to learning from all. The strength to put up a robust defense, recover and heal will come from this admission of our vulnerability. We need greater humility that opens the door to acceptance of reality and outreach to put up a united front.

3.   RESPONSIBILITY

There is no time or point in blame game. If there is one thing that will help us swim and not sink is the ownership of personal responsibility in fighting the virus. Social distancing measures will only be effective if all of us comply. Personal responsibility entails being transparent and vigilant to ensure that there is no lapse in early detection and control. Not just for self but for others around us. News of people escaping from quarantine centers is highly disturbing as this puts many others at risk. It is heartening though that many residential communities and corporate offices are putting stringent measures in place to safeguard people and arrest the spread of the virus. ‘Work from Home’ options are pragmatic solutions but also demand a responsible approach to ensure that there is no loss of productivity.

Responsibility also extends to our conduct in usage of social media. The fear of the #pandemic has been blown out of proportion thanks to irresponsible transmission of news in social media. Circulating fake or unverified news only creates more panic and anxiety in people. This crisis demands self discipline and regulation of a high order.

Perhaps the larger debate that will need to take place is about our shared responsibility to the planet, the social and environmental choices we make and our obligation towards the future of nature and humanity.

4.    GOING FAST AND SLOW

#Agility has been the need of the hour in a hyperconnected world moving at breakneck speed. The Covid-19 outbreak has highlighted the criticality of decisiveness and speedy action to curtail the contagion spread. Agility of response is of paramount importance, in a scenario where every single day of delay in taking appropriate policy decisions and implementation measures could have serious repercussions.  The coronavirus pandemic is the ultimate torture test for agile thinking and action with its global spread being tracked real time. Our response to this monumental crisis will set new agility standards in managing the #VUCA world that we inhabit.

Equally what is being driven home is the value of going slow. Forced separation through social distancing is tough to embrace. Let’s reframe it to “close proximity with family and loved ones”. Meeting life and spending quality time where it matters the most. With ourselves and our loved ones. To forge deeper and more fulfilling bonds. Going slow also to reflect and get intimate with ourselves. To shut the noise and listen to silence. Taking the journey within and re-evaluating the course of our lives. Be it health, wealth, relationships and our larger purpose. Turning the adversity to an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

5.   EMPATHY

Finally, what the world needs at this moment is a huge dose of empathy. To look beyond ourselves. Fundamental human- human connect, care and concern. We are all struggling to cope against a threat of monstrous proportions. And we need each other’s back. Empathy not sympathy. As we hear heart rending stories of human trials and tribulations from across the world, it’s not hard to imagine us being in the same situation. Anne Applebaum, journalist and historian puts it well ‘Epidemics have a way of revealing truths about the societies they impact’. These delicate times will reveal our truths and pray that they are not ugly. So, need to open our arms and hearts to our fellow co-inhabitants on this planet. With love, understanding and compassion.

And while we are at it, practice our lessons in gratitude to the countless healthcare and other professionals who are working tirelessly and selflessly to save lives and nurse the sick back to recovery.

How well will these lessons serve us after the dark clouds have blown away? Will we emerge more connected, humble, responsible, empathetic and self-aware about our place on the planet? As the saying goes ‘Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it’. Let’s ensure we don't forget these lessons.