Adversity - Boon or Bane?

World is in turmoil. This is probably the first time in our history that we are seeing such a massive global impact. Even during the world war there were some countries that were not directly affected. While it is a tragedy that so many lives have been lost, in a strange way this common adversary has united the entire mankind. As a student of human behaviour, I could not help but observe a few common patterns across. Lincoln said: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” While it is true, to a certain extent, adversity does reveal a person's character. Here are some of the observations

1.  Emergency reveals true priorities. While I was out shopping for essentials, the way people were adding stuff to their cart reminded me of a story from Titanic. The ocean liner was carrying some of the wealthiest people in the world. As the ship was sinking, women and children were given the first priority to occupy the life boats. One of the wealthy women was given 3 minutes to pick her valuables and reach the lifeboat. She left all her jewels in the locker and carried 6 oranges with her.
2.  We are grateful for things that were otherwise being taken for granted - food, health, power supply and internet to name a few. More people are thinking about how to build immunity and have started thinking about preventive health care.
3.  Fear is a bigger motivator than reward. There is a nationwide lockdown in India with people being asked come out only to buy essentials and that too not in groups. With probably 90% compliance, air is getting purified. Animals and birds are seen roaming freely in the city limits. Night sky looks beautiful with more stars visible. This made me think if there was no disease outbreak and there was a proactive call for a lock down to save the mother earth, would there be so much compliance?
4.  That brings out another question. With danger staring us right in the eye why are there still some people behaving irresponsibly. Is it that difficult to stay at home or is it just because it is forced on us which are turning some of us into rebels. I am reminded of a quote - "It is very difficult to be responsible but it is so important."

 On a personal note there have been a few serendipities

1.  I have realized how much I was eating out! Though it is not alarming, I can still do better. So, have promised myself to make healthier choices
2. There are a few board games that I had enjoyed when I was a kid. This has given me an opportunity to bring them out of the attic.
3. Many of the errands that I had eternally been postponing have been done and dusted. This has brought down the stress (micro stress), that they were causing.
4. It has given me an opportunity to reevaluate my priorities. Hoping that I would still act according to the revised priorities once this passes.
5. Apart of social distancing, media distancing also helps.

To end with, we have realized that there is still lot of goodness in this world and people do care for each other. As Napolean Hill says - "Every adversity has within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit". Hope we come out of it stronger, more united and spread the love that has always been in our hearts.