"The Year of the Pandemic" as a Learning Opportunity

Although these thoughts started as a series of postings on 27 September 2020, and despite the fact that long-form articles are not currently favored by the platform, I've decided on a whim to quickly adapt those posts and consolidate into a single article for posterity...

As we approach the final quarter of 2020, which I think for much of humanity may be defined as, “The Year of the Pandemic," I think we all acknowledge that this has been a difficult and challenging year for many, if not most, and outright traumatic for others. It exposes vulnerabilities in ourselves, in our societies, and perhaps even in humanity itself. 

For those who are struggling with certain realities and/or changes in current circumstances brought on or magnified by this year, rather than dwell on the negatives or suffering that we perceive, it affords us a very important opportunity. That opportunity, whether out of choice or necessity, is to take a good hard look inside, and perhaps seek to recalibrate ourselves, or better identify, define, and align our core values and our priorities.

Although we may not have wished for this, 2020 is a year of lessons, both individual and collective, and perhaps one that can enable #transformation and #transition into an improved version of ourselves. And perhaps by sharing, particularly any actionable lessons, we may at least comfort, and even benefit others.

On a personal level, like many others, I increasingly am forced to confront my own mortality, and to appreciate that none of us know the number of our days. Furthermore, many things can change without warning, or with very limited notice, and there are things that are simply beyond our control. Yet, what is within our control is how we respond and adapt. A critical lesson for me is the necessity not only of reading and seeking to truly understand certain philosophical approaches or traditions, but the practice of being able to live those lessons accordingly. For example, Ryan Holiday has done a very commendable job of bringing Western #stoic philosophy to the forefront in recent years, and making it more accessible, I think, to a wider audience.

But the truth is, until we actually have to measure up to some of the ideals put forth by people like Marcus Aurelius or Seneca, consuming words is very different than living the underlying virtues.

I’ve long understood the importance of #resiliency and #perseverance, but these are demonstrated through our actions and attitude, and not through empty platitudes. Yes, you may hurt temporarily, or rage against the “unfairness” of it all, or disappointments or setbacks in your career or personal life, and it’s true that the Universe does not necessarily apportion or distribute pain or challenges equally. So what? Raging against such inequality solves nothing, and is certainly beyond our ability to influence or change. This teaches #empathy, something that we arguably can never experience too much of. For me, this also has presented the opportunity to more deeply appreciate Eastern spiritual traditions that have long resonated with me (and on a personal level, do not conflict with my own traditions), confronting the concept of #suffering and its recognition via the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to alleviate this. 

I’ve learned the incalculable value of having at least one true friend to confide in, even while acknowledging that such people are not necessarily easy to find, and when we do, we must count our blessings. Perhaps there is comfort in thinking of such a party as a “kindred soul,” but that’s a very personal outlook. I will confess, however, that I do draw comfort from a belief that the Universe does see fit for certain people to cross our paths, and to fulfill an important role that we may or may not recognize at the time, whether they are in our life for a brief, passing moment or for a longer period of time.

Through one such friend in particular, I’ve learned that #vulnerability is not something that will always be exploited, manipulated, or perceived as weakness, even if prior life experiences for a time had convinced me otherwise. Sometimes we must be willing to let our guard down, and to recognize that another soul truly wants to connect, and recognizes that despite one’s flaws or shortcomings, this is not a deterrent to the qualities that drew two people together in the first place. 

Learning to let go has been another theme arising from that interaction. Let go of blame, of shame, of doubt, of guilt. While it may be commendable to try to be strong and resolute all of the time, in truth we are not, and this does not make us a “burden” on those who truly care for us. I still wrestle with that one, in all honesty, but I like to think I’m coming to terms with it. And in closing for now, I’ve also learned why, no matter what, we must keep the faith that a better tomorrow can and will come.