Today marks Day 24 of the lockdown in Switzerland. There is a need to return to a new normal, but is that possible? Most folks, who are still employed, have all their meetings virtually. The only change of scenery means a walk from the living room to an office— if one is lucky.
This crisis has turned the world’s world upside down. It’s been a big wake-up call for the planet and humanity. Many have already succumbed to illness and passed away, and we honor them. We grieve with their families as their world has drastically changed in the last few months.
Before the crisis, the focus for most people on the planet was on self, work, and consumption. Now, we see how it’s shifting to others, conserving, and problem-solving together. We’re left with a question. Will this crisis-inspired change outlast the crisis, or is it only temporary?
We hope this mind and behavior shift offers lasting change. This crisis has revealed both positives and negatives in our societies. These are my observations:
Unity
People have united to help one another during this time of. Neighbors check in on the elderly. People donate food and make supplies to help healthcare workers. What a beautiful departure from the fighting and separation we’ve experienced in the last few years.
We’ve all been willing to make sacrifices for the self to serve the whole. In the process, we’ve also seen a huge decline in pollution. While reading yesterday, I learned that in India, for the first time in 30 years, one can see the Himalaya Mountains. In our need to consume and achieve, we’ve forgotten about Mother Earth and sustaining the planet that we need for our health and livelihood.
Courage
The courageous selflessness of healthcare workers, who put their lives on the line every day, is heroic and incredible. Many have been infected; some have died. The remaining get up day after exhausting day to serve and save lives.
Fragility
This crisis has also revealed the fragility of out monetary system and economy. It’s mind-boggling how many people found themselves out of work within such a short period of time. There are too many people on this planet that can’t pay their rent or find food. For a planet that has so much wealth, it’s unacceptable.
It has also shown how we need strong leaders. The negative impact of this crisis has been considerably lower in places where the leadership is strong. We need to demand more of our leaders. Better yet, let’s become the leaders of tomorrow, ourselves.
Compassion
This crisis has brought back our humanity. It has awoken the compassion inside of each of us. We can now better access our hearts and be with one another in a new and endearing way. This virus has slowed us down and has gotten us out of our heads and into our hearts.
Our lives have been so busied with working that we’ve made our relationships secondary. In these times of feeling uncertain, unnerved, and even raw, we crave those personal relationships that make us feel safe and remind us we’ll be okay.
Presence
In social distancing, we’ve become more aware of other people. If you think back two months ago, most of us walked through life, not taking notice of the people around us. Now, we’re more careful, more alert, and we walk with purpose and awareness.
Staying alert and awake requires a greater focus on better politicians and business leaders. It also requires moving toward a growth mindset to see new ways of working and transforming. At Human Edge, we believe better leaders will ensure a better world and a brighter future.
