We know we are currently in crisis mode with cataclysmic repercussions on all aspects of our existence.
This sounds serious, and it is. But let’s look through the lens of random chaos to the opportunity such a crisis affords.
Enter the field of Physics and the work of Dr. Valerie Hunt, who worked in the Department of Physiological Sciences, UCLA.
In a cohesive system, bonds are stable, and it would take great effort to effect change. In a system that is not cohesive, however, bonds are not stable, and all it takes to effect change is a little nudge.
This scientific principle never ceases to amaze me.
Our current chaos is our opportunity to take disarray and rearrange. Trying times, yes, but we can turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.
Rumi said it well: The wound is the place where the light enters you.
The following five rearrangements (aka breakthroughs) come to mind:
1. Personal-care
Personally, we can slow down and relook at our lives. How are we living our lives? What serves? What no longer serves? What do we need to add to our days so we have more balance and joy?
For me, I am adding a little more quiet time and a lot more writing.
2. Family-care
Family-wise, this is a great opportunity to truly connect. Being cooped up together, this is our chance. Hopefully, we will realize what we have been missing in our “normal” run-around day-to-day.
Also, conflict is normal, but how we resolve that conflict can help form deeper connections, as we can’t run away, nor can we annihilate “the enemy.” How we resolve family conflicts translates to how we can resolve local, national, and global conflicts. How we take care of each other, as well as celebrate and enjoy each other’s differences and contributions, translates too.
The family is the microcosm of the macrocosm. It all starts at home and ripples out to the far reaches of the planet.
3. Health-care
Can we finally agree that all people should have equal access to quality healthcare?
If the virus hasn’t driven this home, I don’t know what will. Every person’s health affects the wellness of every other. In addition, wellness-care is paramount. May the emphasis on boosting immunity and proper hygiene continue long after this pandemic peters out.
4. Economy-care
As is being amply demonstrated, it’s not just those who make the most money or those in certain “important” jobs who matter.
I love the commercials and posts doing the rounds on social media, referencing the truck drivers and the grocery store clerks, for example, along with the healthcare workers, as heroes. And they are.
I am reminded of Plato’s idea of a just society: everyone in just the right place. That is, we need everyone to do their part. No one is greater than or lesser than. We all need each other, and we are all worthy of respect and value.
I’d like to see us appreciate one another more. All the time.
5. Earth-care
It’s no coincidence that the earth is taking a deep breath by taking our breath away, both by the shock of the disruption in lifestyle and by the virus itself. With less pollution, we are seeing see vast ecological improvements around the globe in a short span of time. We can and must do better environmentally.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. Buy less. Buy local.
And repeat. For keeps.
It takes friction to make a spark. While we’re all certainly feeling the friction, we are also seeing the light come through.
I am nudging us all to realize our pivotal role in this planetary revolution, by making small long-term changes that serve ourselves, our families, and the greater good.
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AUTHOR: DEBRA EMERSON
IMAGE: MARI LEZHAVA/UNSPLASH
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