In times of crisis it is natural to reassess and reprioritize. Once the initial panic subsides, let’s use our time sheltering-in-place as an opportunity to seek wisdom.
First and foremost, let’s learn compassion. The sick and suffering need our support, as do the isolated and afraid. This is always true. While COVID-19 fills the headlines, other diseases both physical and social have not gone away. Loneliness, depression, and other maladies may be exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions. Compassion brings us together in our distress. It takes us beyond narrow self-interest. It helps us grow as we give it away.
Let’s also learn simplicity. We must find joy in living a bit closer to the ground. Consider this time as an involuntary sabbatical from consumer culture. A sabbatical is a time of renewal and regeneration. Let’s use this as an opportunity to learn to live a life that is simple, plain and true. Life is good, even without the chaos of consumer society.
Finally, we must learn patience. We are all anxious to get back to our lives. But anxiety undermines well-being. A vaccine will take some time and we have to wait for the disease to run its course. While we wait, let’s cultivate the virtue of patience. We’ve lived for too long in a world of instant downloads and fast food. Patience is the ability to defer gratification and endure hardship. This is a life skill. It is closely connected to courage, perseverance, and even to love.
These three virtues are essential in a time of crisis. And even in ordinary times, it is wise to be merciful, mellow, and moderate.
In a crisis, there is a tendency to think that it is “every man for himself.” But this only makes things worse by increasing loneliness, conflict, and fear. Compassion is the root of human connection. Others need our support just as we need theirs.
If we do not value simplicity, we will bristle at the restrictions imposed upon us in this crisis. Anger and resentment are not helpful. Even in times of crisis, plain and primary goods can be found. Without simplicity, we fail to find contentment in what we have. Right now we can enjoy humor and friendship, natural beauty and art, music and knowledge.
Patience allows us to endure hardship without losing hope. Without patience, we act rashly and without foresight. Panicked reactions make things worse. Fortitude, persistence, and hope makes things better.
These three treasures are always valuable. But they are easily forgotten in the frantic pace of what we call ordinary or “normal” life. Our culture encourages individualism at the expense of solidarity. It glorifies consumption and wealth. It teaches us to be intolerant and unkind.
Even when I lived in a monastery, it seemed that my way of life was unbalanced especially when we started having our own smartphones and/or tablets. I rushed through meals to get to the next task. Now I live “in the world” and I am learning each day to live a more balanced and simple life more harmonious with my values. However, I see people/families/communities whose values are more consumer driven than compassion driven. Many seek instant gratification. For too long, we have lived at a furious pace. Our social lives have become fragmented. Our political life is polarized. The truth has been lost under tons of bullshit. Our physical and mental health suffers from a life out of balance.
This mandatory pause in “normal” life is an opportunity to re-balance things and build better habits. Let’s learn to enjoy simple goods and reduce over-consumption. Let’s work to develop patience and forbearance. Let’s learn to care better for the sick and the suffering. And let’s view this crisis as an opportunity to unearth the treasures of wisdom.
If we choose to use this time as a “sabbatical” our world will be transformed. It wasn’t working before, now we have the time and opportunity to better ourselves and thus the world.
Ask yourself: Will I choose to become more compassionate, embrace simplicity, and learn patience? Or, will I choose the status quo?
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