I feel as if some greater power decided it was time to put the world on pause. If we as a society were not going to slow down and see the world for what it was, some external force decided it was time to make us do some reflecting. I have decided not to waste the opportunity that this gift of living through a pandemic has given me. I am profoundly aware of the luxury that my education, health and financial security afford me and yet eludes many. I owe myself and everyone my honest reflection, education and action to make positive changes moving forward.
As a healthcare provider I promote physical distancing as essential in protecting our collective health. But as a student of yoga, I believe we should be embracing those near and far within our hearts especially at this time. We are all part of one global society and the pandemic exemplifies how intertwined we really are. When one suffers we all lose, and conversely society benefits from each small act of kindness, even a simple mask. My hope is that we continue to evaluate the world we live in without judgement or hate, but objectively to improve race and gender relations, economic and educational disparity, global warming and our environment for all of its inhabitants. While physical distancing is necessary for the pandemic moment, distancing ourselves from our neighbors is short sighted and unsustainable in the long run.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit mantra which means: “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may my thoughts, words, and actions contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.”
Imagine if we all just paused now and then to evaluate our own thoughts, words and actions what a movement we could create and what transformation would result.
Our differences are opportunities to learn and grow together, just as genetic variation ultimately selects the strongest traits to move life forward in an ever changing world.
Three World Travelers 