My 87-years old dad went through the second world war, the India-Pakistan partition and even went to jail for Mahatma Gandhi’s Jail Bharo Andolan. Chatting with him on the current pandemic was insightful. Here are four key thoughts that arose from that discussion.

Calm amidst the panic

Fear levels around us are high and palpable. The reality is that our prehistoric brain is wired for survival – not peace and equanimity. We instinctively feel fearful with even the slightest of triggers affecting our survival. (Think stepping on a rope in the dark!) The current crisis is unprecedented and potentially devastating at multiple levels. It may turn out to be a generation-defining event. Fear is naturally turning to panic.

While fear and panic are totally understandable, we need to recognise the need to stay calm. Being calm and positive (while staying vigilant and following all the necessary guidelines) is the key to effectively working our way through any crisis. Listening to the horror stories of the partition from my dad, it is clear that if the health crisis continues, each of us will likely experience a roller coaster of emotions – from denial, anxiety, anger and panic to sadness and despair.

To build greater equanimity, it helps to switch off from the external world of news and social media and instead focus on our inner world. Simply sitting still and becoming an observer of our varying emotions helps. It is important that while observing our emotions, we remain focused only on observing, without judging them (or ourselves). With consistent practice, the volatility of our emotions does subside. (Read: Try mindfulness meditation and ABC of anxiety)

We along with I

With the virus spreading rapidly, protecting ourselves and our loved ones is important. However, if we are healthy, it is essential that we also pay attention to helping others in any way we can. Whether it is the frontline health workers, the daily wage earners or the families of our domestic helpers. Being helpful is therapeutic too. As Mark Twain said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

In our individualistic society, where we are otherwise growing apart, this virus is a reminder of our interconnectedness. That we cannot live or succeed in isolation. We are part of different communities and we should routinely contribute towards the welfare of all those communities. We are all in it together. Something I hope we will remember long after we win this battle.

Trifocal vision

It’s easy for many of us to get into the survival mode for the next three weeks (what else would you expect when the neighbourhood supermarket runs out of groceries). Simultaneously, as I speak to business and NGO leaders, I am encouraging them to proactively plan for at least two more time-horizons. The next three months and the next fifteen months.

It is not unforeseeable that the current crisis, including some form of lockdown or social distancing, may continue for a couple of months. Also, it’s possible that even if the infections decline this summer, they may reappear next winter. Until we have a vaccine over the next 12 months. Besides, the economic downside of a prolonged outbreak would not only be severe but could also last over a year.

Pursue personal goals

Crisis and isolation can be a powerful time for personal growth. Whether the pandemic is short-lived or prolonged, as my dad reminds me, this too shall pass. So, consider using this time wisely, particularly if you are under lockdown or your work is slow. Don’t just watch the news or Netflix. Attend that online photography or AI course that you wanted to; catch-up on your reading; get fitter; learn to meditate; practice gratefulness; be more loving to your family and so on.

Would love to hear how you are doing during this time!