The world has stopped, and we have a chance of getting off and re booting if we are wise and use the gift of our free will for good. Our lifestyle as we have come to know it has come to a standstill. Here is some blue sky thinking with help from others.
The earth is sick, we are sick and these are things we can do something about as we have been faced with something that this generation has never needed to look in the eye before.
So, what are some of these things that come to mind?
Let us start with how the significance of those around us has come into the new spotlight - how do we relate to others so we can help each other out rather than living in an impersonal bubble?
The use of technology has indeed been accelerated in our shopping, business, health and family world and offers some new choices for engagement.
An interesting recent reflections on a Sunday Times article reflects on how we must adapt after this wake-up call. Even Bill Gates spoke of a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether it is perceived as good or bad, how this pandemic could be the great corrector rather than the disaster.
We are all equal as human beings, whatever our job is, we are all connected, our health is precious, and our lives are short and we have all had to face death in a materialistic have-everything-now culture adverse to risk and death in terms of its reality as being part of a cycle . Further, it has made us think about our values and what we will be remembered for when we have gone.
We have been reminded of the importance of family and relationships that matter, that we are all vulnerable and fallible.
Economic fragility and our obsession with GDP could be re balanced with quality of life measures as in Bhutan. This might consider cumulative health problems, psychological distress, how social connectedness contributes to QOL: Gross National Happiness scores for assessing economic and social development.
Positive change might mean rebalancing our work, home, and family life, rethinking our commuting time. In Sweden half an hour to and from work is the maximum tolerated by most people as quality of life is valued, especially with tight time slots for childcare considerations and both parents working. Flexibility vs rigidly is the new normal. At last, the norms set up for a previous era can be challenged.
The importance of fathers has been visible for many families who have spent more time together than ever before. This sits cheek-by-jowel alongside gender roles and expectations regarding caring roles which have been predominantly female and poorly paid.
What is essential work? and how does our education prepare people for these jobs and afford them a higher value? Our values and needs have been laid to bear and we have a chance to reboot and seize new opportunities fit for human flourishing. What do we ditch and what do we keep? How do we value this opportunity to review an move on for more balanced and fulfilled lives where everyone is valued as equals with unique contributions?