I always believed that some way, somehow, nature (and let us remember that we, humans, are part of it) would eventually find a way to restore balance when things like overpopulation, overconsumption and pollution threaten it enough. 

There is abundant variety of speculations about the origin of the COVID-19, and  many weird and wonderful theories on the causes of the pandemic – from 5G to deep state and industrial military complex. We’ll quite possibly never know the whole truth about how or why it all started. Either way, the effect is the same.

That’s why I am more interested in the effects than the cause. The consequences of the rampant coronavirus are can be devastating on a personal and economic level. At the very least they are bloody inconvenient. I am in no way belittling the impact this has on many people’s lives and livelihoods. The feelings of fear, grief and even anger are real and need to be felt and dealt with with compassion and understanding. Our lives are changing, in many cases forever. Nobody escapes this.

But, at the same time: if we take a huge step back and look at the BIG picture –at planet Earth, its ecology and homeostasis, and its ever growing population of homo sapiens– this thing we are dealing with may end up being a blessing.

Whatever the reason or cause, re-balancing is already taking place.

Some things I’m noticing:

The reduced pollution levels are having dramatic effects from sky in Beijing to water and new-found sea life in the canals of Venice. What will we see after 6 or 12 months of restricted air travel and production of unnecessary goods? Will we realise that we simply don’t need all of it, that we actually can, quite easily, get by with less?  Will climate change bounce back much faster than we could have anticipated?

When facing our own mortality we reflect on what’s really important and stop sweating the small things. We find new, more meaningful perspectives.

“We are being forced to stop and to look within. We’re forced  to notice that what affects you, affects me. To take responsibility, to realise that we are ONE, not separate: one ecosystem, one macro-organism. We are forced to learn solidarity on a global level.”

What’s more the world is coming together (despite the travel restrictions and closed borders) and moving from us-and-them mentality to realising our inter-connectedness. At the same time social distancing and isolation are paradoxical acts of love.

We are being forced to stop and to look within. We’re forced  to notice that what affects you, affects me. To take responsibility, to realise that we are ONE, not separate: one ecosystem, one macro-organism. We are forced to learn solidarity on a global level. We are forced to be with ourselves and be there for each other. We’re forced to look after our physical health, our cleanliness, our mental and emotional wellness. We are forced too stop imagining that we can control everything. To realise that everything is temporary and to not take things for granted. To do what’s required, even when it’s inconvenient. To become resilient.

I also assumed that when that spontaneous re-balancing of the earth and its ecosystem would happen, we, humans, probably wouldn’t like it. That it wouldn’t be easy for us. That we would kick and scream because we don’t want to change our ways, to compromise on our luxuries or limit our lifestyles. But change we must.

Now, my friends, the time has come and we just need to suck it up. We need to learn our lessons and do what needs to be done to save ourselves and save the Earth.

 

I’m also convinced, my friend, that this too shall pass. It’s up to us to choose what to take from it.