Life in the Time of COVID-19

The past couple of weeks might have been among the most challenging we’ve had yet. While some have been wishing for more days of rest – basically just doing nothing – before this pandemic, nobody wanted for this to happen. Nobody prayed for a virus that would have taken thousands of lives, yet here we are – faced with the new normal.

I see a lot of people on the internet complaining about how bored they are at home, doing the same things, the same ‘kain-Netflix-tulog’ routine, every single day. I relate with those who struggle to stay and be productive especially academically. I hear stories about people who barely have anything to eat, those who struggle on a day-to-day basis, in a dilemma on whether or not to go outside to work in hopes that they can bring something home to feed their family, or wait for help while their stomachs rumble. I see homeless people begging for food. As I continue scrolling, I come across pleas of healthcare workers and other frontliners for masks, protective equipment, even meals. I see LGUs, NGOs, celebrities raise fund and donate to the those severely affected by the crisis. I read a lot of posts and tweets empowering and standing up for the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized – demanding accountability from the very people who are supposed to be handling this situation effectively and efficiently. Meanwhile, there are also lots who smart-shame, criticize, and take offense from the latter.

All these things – everything that is happening – can be really quite overwhelming. But in the midst of all the fear and uncertainty, life reveals teachings and opportunities within every moment. While we cannot control what is happening, it is up to us on how we respond and redirect our attention to things that will help us build greater capacity to face what is challenging.

1. Reflect with gratitude

Reflect on the sacrifices of our healthcare providers who tirelessly and compassionately care for the sick, the supermarket and restaurant workers and delivery guys who continue to provide services for our needs, the garbage collectors, cleaners and street sweepers who help keep our city/province clean, the security guards, barangay tanods, police, military who safeguard the people, the scientists working overtime doing research and conducting tests to find a cure and vaccine for this virus, the organizations (NGOs and LGUs) and individuals who provide aid to the needy, the media and some agencies who efficiently do their duties to provide accurate information for the public, and even those who are self-quarantining and those who I’ve failed to mention. Divert your attention and notice all the ways that people care for fellow individuals – not only in your community, but around the world.

2. Extend compassion

Show and extend compassion especially to those who are most affected by this crisis. Know that people’s livelihood is affected and everyone’s health and well-being is at stake. Be a little kinder than necessary. Be patient. Understand before you criticize and express disgust towards people who are out in the streets for their families. Take deep breaths. Support local businesses and microbusinesses who are also struggling right now that most people have to stay home. If you can and if you have the means to, donate to projects and organizations that aim to help and provide aid especially to the underprivileged in this time of need. Just be compassionate. Whatever you decide to do or give, do it without regrets and with a happy heart.

3. Connect and stay connected 

Take this as an opportunity to rekindle relationships (nope, not romantic – never get back with your ex no matter how bored you are) be it with friends who you haven’t talked to for a while because you were too busy growing apart or whatever, with family and relatives (who, hopefully, wouldn’t smart-shame you for your opinion on the government or basically just for your difference in beliefs and opinion) or with your neighbors who I bet you barely even had conversations with aside from the casual hi’s and and hello’s when you see each other around. Ask them how they are doing even through text, call, chat or email. Show them that you care. Keep in touch, stay connected. In this ‘new normal’ when everyone’s struggling to stay sane, it wouldn’t hurt to let other people know we care about them and how they are.

4. Check your privilege

In this season when so much is lost, lives and resources, notice the blessings that remain. Take this time as an opportunity to appreciate what you have, the luxury you often take for granted or even fail to see as a luxury – your phones and other gadgets, flat screen TV and Netflix, internet connection, snacks, food on the table, clean water, comfortable bed, financial security. Checking your privilege doesn’t mean you haven’t struggled. It doesn’t invalidate your hardships. It’s about realizing that there are certain struggles and difficulties that you wouldn’t have to go through or share with certain societal classes or groups of people.

5. Commit to what keeps you sane

Commit to the things that keep your mind stable or those that help you keep the faith and have hope in this difficult situation. Maintain those that help you see the calm in any storm. Take on a spiritual journey. Meditate. Journal. Read. Write. Make art. Do what you have to do to cope. Do what helps you stay sane in this confusing time.

This one's a little something I worked on today. It's been years since I did something artsy and I don't really draw. So... yeah... HAHAHAHA

This is a very challenging time, but I know we will all get through this. Laban lang pa rin!

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Hi there. This is my first blog on a serious or deeper topic. Haha. Feel free to share your thoughts. I would love to learn about what I can do to improve my writing. Also, my next blog is about COOKERISM – a ‘segment’ a came up with during this ECQ. Stay tuned! :)

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