In Italy, neighbors entertain each other by playing instruments on balconies and rooftops. Despite the limitations of being restricted to their homes, neighborhoods have discovered a way of sharing hope and daily connections by leaning out their windows at 6pm. They bang pots and pans; they dance, sing, and express creativity in every way possible, resulting in what looks like a flash mob as a way to stay social. Italians describe it as a way to hug Italy! They refuse to let this adversity break their spirits and hope as they wait for the day when they can hug each other once again.
In the ports and waterways of Venice, the waters have cleared, and shoals of tiny fish have returned where only boats have occupied the murky waters. In Sardinia, dolphins were spotted swimming gleefully entertaining the few humans watching, and in a southern Italian town, wild boars were discovered roaming the streets. Wildlife and nature have once again moved into spaces left empty by the people!
Major cities in China have recently enjoyed seeing blue skies they hadn't seen in more than three years as a result of the pollution and smog. Studies have shown that carbon emissions have dropped by 100 million tons over a 2-week period. Nasa satellite images show clear atmospheric changes because of closed cities and factories.
On a more personal note, my mom, who for the last 25 years, has been living thousands of miles away in Portugal, our country of origin, is 86, doesn't drive, read, write, and barely knows how to dial the phone. It wasn't until my father passed away 3 ½ years ago, that it got complicated as she has no desire to move back here to the USA where they lived for more than 35 years. But, truth be told, my mother has been leading the parade on social distancing since becoming a widow–she knows how to do this quarantine thing and does it well! Over the last couple weeks, she has shared stories of random neighbors, who she describes only knowing by an occasional wave, purposely stopping to ask if she needed anything. The local police department called her twice this week to ask her how she was and if she needed supplies. The delight and peace in my mother's voice, knowing that she was being watched over and cared for, is immense. "I am so happy I live here," she said to me.
Times like these can bring out the best in humans. There have been so many heartwarming stories I have heard and being circulated on the internet, softening our hearts and offering hope for humankind.
The suffering is real, but so is the hope and goodness available and present. Perhaps this short chapter in all of our lives will inspire more kindness, compassion, patience, and generosity. I think this may be what spirit, source, GOD would ultimately want and hope for all of us living on this earth in this moment of time.
As Fred Rogers shared, "look for the helpers" and I also believe we should look for the humor, kindness, and gifts.
This week, ask yourself what gift has this adversity brought me so far? Maybe the ultimate practice of patience and tolerance? Perhaps finding comfort in boredom? Maybe, it has helped you to explore your relationship with money and your spending habits? Or maybe, you have been forced to reconnect with nature or your partner and family members?
Look for the gifts – finding meaning in this time can soften your heart and reduce the fear. The universe will thank you!