As my internal exams were about to begin, little did I know that the announcement of lockdown would actually put a full stop to all those activities in my mind. Lockdown due to this pandemic probably gave most of us life lessons that we would have otherwise not realized through mere words. The moving around freely, the meeting of friends and family, purchasing anything and everything at ease, and our helper whom we took for granted- their absence made us value them in an unimaginable way!
The lockdown allowed families to re-connect in a way that might not have been possible before
Of course, there is no doubt that all of us suffered in some way or the other- be it regarding finance or mental health. Leaving beside a few exceptional cases, most of us were fortunate to spend quality time with our family members. In today’s world, wherein most homes the day begins and ends with all the members of the home glued to their regular activities and gadgets, this pandemic has been a boon for them.
From the episodes of Dalgona coffee to watching Ramayana once again, the list is endless. Also, not to forget the harsh experience most of us faced, be it students having trouble with hostels or online education, parents and teachers with online education and work-from-home, elderly parents in essential things & some of us saying a final goodbye to our loved ones, we all have our own lessons to take from it. What is most inspiring and worth remembering is that no matter what, almost everyone tried to help each other in their best capacity.
From police personnel on social media to various NGOs & other organizations and even the common man, no stone was left unturned by the people- be it in providing essential things or even medical emergency! This is something which has kept alive our faith in society and made us pay much-needed attention & respect to our values which we are otherwise losing in our fast-paced world.
Also read: “2020: A Rollercoaster Year For Me”
What We Discovered
The best thing was people rediscovering their traditional roots & becoming closer to nature. By now, maybe most of us have realized that we hardly need so many things to actually survive. What is actually essential is finally understood! I understand Myntra & Amazon loves to be in touch with you even when you are reading this, but that stare of that load of unused clothes from the corner has definitely made each one of us realize something.
In this war with covid, one can’t deny & shall definitely remember those people who continued with their essential services. The unselfish dedication of medical personnel all the time & especially with PPE kits in the hospital deserves all our praise. With this, new challenges lie ahead with policymakers & administrators. Will this repeat again? Should we be prepared? It is generally for known situations that we are prepared for; the unknown is what tests the real us.
This year also made most of us how impermanent life is and that death can knock at any moment. We are only mere characters. The key real key lies with the ultimate. I am reminded of this poem by Shri Aurobindo :
“Life, death, – death, life; the words have led for ages
Our thought and consciousness and firmly seemed
Two opposites; but now long-hidden pages
Are opened, liberating truths undreamed.
Life only is, or death is life disguised, –
Life a short death until by Life we are surprised.”
Our thought and consciousness and firmly seemed
Two opposites; but now long-hidden pages
Are opened, liberating truths undreamed.
Life only is, or death is life disguised, –
Life a short death until by Life we are surprised.”
We Need Nature
No matter how much we Homo Sapiens deny but nature has its own way of teaching us. Nature doesn’t need us; we need nature. When we forget this simple lesson, it forces us to change our way each time. This chapter of 2020 from our book called ‘Life’ is the one most of us will re-read & keep drawing lessons each time. Even though some of us may feel we didn’t achieve anything this year, surviving by God’s grace is the biggest achievement itself!
As Frank Herbert has rightly said -” survival is the ability to swim in strange water” & most of us reading this must have finally understood it.
Aditee Mitra is a student, inclined to write & a few more things. Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Reachable at – aditeewrites@gmail.com
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