Coronavirus has revealed many things so far…

Today, on March 16, we’re in the thick of it. The market continues to shrink, more coronavirus cases are popping up like heads on a hydra, school and business closures accelerate, and social distancing recommendations become more strict.

But “this too shall pass,” to borrow from the Ancients. Nothing lasts forever – neither the painful times nor the good times. Right now, we are in a painful time. What can we learn by leaning into it?

For starters, I think it should be abundantly clear that as individuals and as nations, we are not alone. We are an intimately connected global human family far deep thats we ever imagined. What may have possibly started in a bat in a remote marketplace in China is now impacting everything from family gatherings in Italy to the NBA season. What one person or people group does affects the others, we are all connected. We don’t live in the insular worlds that we often strive to create for ourselves.

The Selfish and the Selfless

Secondly, the COVID-19 outbreak has revealed much about both our selfish and selfless natures. I saw a quote yesterday from Hershael York: “I do not fear catching the coronavirus one bit. I’ll survive - or not. But I fear spreading it. I do not want my sense of bravado or invincibility to hurt anyone else. That’s the epitome of arrogance and selfishness.”

This is the attitude that should be adopted by all of us who are in good health. Just because you or I are unlikely to die or suffer serious injury from this disease doesn’t give us a pass for ignoring guidelines. We are all in this together. It’s my responsibility to act selflessly, putting aside my own desires, so that I may help protect vulnerable populations.

On the flip side, we’ve seen a great deal of selfishness in the last few days. (Toilet paper hoarding, anyone?) I’m hoping that exposure of these actions will spur greater selflessness and more concern for our fellow man as we move forward.

Striving for a Better Life Together

I believe that the coronavirus outbreak will make us better humans in the end. Like you, I’ve read many stories of generosity and kindness –– people who are striking out into the madness that is a grocery store today on behalf of their elderly neighbors. And we have all watched the beautiful Italian people singing at the tops of their lungs on their porches and balconies with each other. These stories inspire hope for a better future. When we approach a crisis with a heart of service and compassion, we have the capacity to grow to even fuller versions of ourselves through the process.

All people, everywhere, essentially want the same things. Whether you vote for Bernie or Trump… whether you’re out of work in Japan or working from home in the U.S…. people want a better life for themselves and their families. Now is the time that we have to work together to ensure that better future.

The Universe Realigns Our Priorities for Us

It’s saddened me to see how seniors in our society have been, to a large degree, marginalized and ignored in recent years. Now, we’re being forced to prioritize their health. I hope that this reprioritization –– a return to the way things should be –– calls us back to simpler times when all cultures held their elders in high esteem.

In a way, it almost seems that the universe has a way of forcing us to restore our priorities to the natural order. Our elderly parents and grandparents should come before many of the other less important things that we choose to prioritize. In a way, these challenging times are restoring that equilibrium.

This Era Will Be Transformational. How?

This era is certain to transform our culture, our nation, and our world. My question for you, then, is how will you allow it to transform you? Will you allow this moment in time to spark fear of the future? Or will you take the opportunity to inspire and uplift others? To develop new business opportunities? To develop greater empathy? To sacrifice your personal desires for the health and safety of your neighbors?

How do you think March 2020 will change you going forward? Tell me in the comments below! Share your story of how you are seeing transformation, what ever it may be.