WHEN EARTH PAUSES.

These are extraordinary times and my heart goes out to everyone being affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across various communities and regions of the world.

These times, however unprecedented, represent an opportunity to step out of fear and separation. It's a time to experience courage, to maintain it while finding our greatest personal strength to share with others. It’s a moment to help each other foster the inner force required not to let the environment, the media and circumstances control our emotions. Rather, it is the chance to step out of the natural and normal, become supernatural and help others through these difficult moments. Our choice should be to face the realities and plan a path forward — not sow panic.

A microscopic molecular structure is reminding us that our homes and family’s well-being represent the most important aspect of our lives. Market economists are learning that production will be important but not indispensable to our existence. The religious are understanding that prayer does not only occur in temples and in churches. Large metropolitan cities are being reminded that movement and circulation of people and capital are important, but that survival is also possible without this. Wall Street is learning that infinite bull markets and corporate profits is not always within their control nor is it essential for humanity's survival.

But perhaps more importantly, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how to adopt a more sustainable life, where we value and protect our only home, at least for now, planet earth. Maybe we are facing a warning worth heeding.

Anthony DeLima