I began writing this editorial on March 29th with a great deal of frustration and anxiety. I got through the first paragraph, where I cursed and gave the heavens and earth a piece of my mind, thinking it would give me some peace of mind. It didn’t help. As I sat in my little garden full of spring flowers in bloom and sipping tea, thinking about what I really wanted to say, I noticed a hummingbird enjoying the adventure of her life at its best – darting among the lemon tree blossoms. With the understanding that there are no guarantees in life, including none that I will be around for the next editorial, I was certain that there would be enough write ups, far better than mine, that will go after the heavens and earth. I needed to share my own heart and my greatest wish we really learn something from this tremendously devastating tragedy… and then that we are re-energized to take action.
This pandemic might make you, too, wonder about the next day in your life. In this reflective mood I came upon a Persian translation of a recent write up credited to Bill Gates, but before going to print was notified that no, it was not his writing and at this point the author is unknown. Regardless of the author, I think the write up is worth reading and reflection (see quoted language below, as published in the Chicago Sun-Times, April 2, 2020). This situation has impacted the world population in so many ways. Medical, financial, and economic experts predict it will be a long time before some recovery. There has to be a purpose to what is happening to us.
There has always been a purpose behind such major tragedies, and yet mankind seems to never really learn the purpose. Nor have we made the changes that are necessary for us to live in harmony in this universe. I invite each of you to reflect on what purpose you can find in this tragedy. For me, I reflect on equality and brotherhood among mankind. With the recognition of the suffering of those in need, I am even more committed to the protection of the most vulnerable of our human family, especially our children. We are going through an unprecedented era and we have a tremendous opportunity to learn from this insidious virus and, more importantly, our response to it, and make the changes in our society that before may have seemed impossible.
“I’m a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad.
As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us:
1) It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should to [sic]. If you don’t believe me, just ask Tom Hanks.
2) It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.
3) It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don’t look after our health, we will, of course, get sick.
4) It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll.
5) It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it’s the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.
6) It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit.
7) It is reminding us that our true work is not our job. That is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.
8) It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.
9) It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colors.
10) It is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good.
11) It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to.
12) It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick.
13) It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical, and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass.
14) Whereas many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector.
It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten, and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.”
On behalf of our community and our Peyk Team, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the real heroes: Doctors, nurses, medical teams, grocery store workers, cleaning staff, law enforcement, and the many others involved in giving their time so bravely to save us. Thank you, Thank you, and a thousand more Thanks!
