More than a Silver Lining

Contrary to my habitually placid disposition, I was profoundly annoyed and indignant during the first stages of the Coronavirus crisis. By default, I avoid getting entangled in the fear-cultivating universe of the media industry, though, inevitably, I am aware of the general headlines – large disasters are hard to hide. Still, I have long renounced the need to delve into every horrid detail, trusting that the world needs more the creativity that sprouts from inner peace rather than my anxiety. However, in this virus emergency, I was compelled to closely monitor the developments since they had a direct impact on my work and the people with whom I collaborate; so, after many years of meticulous protection, I fell into the trap.

I did not – and still do not – feel afraid of the virus itself, apart from the natural concern for my loved ones lingering at the margins of age or health. I do not even feel frustration despite the massive disruption in business and life. My plans, so beautifully laid out at the beginning of the year, appear to be in shambles now – perhaps following the inevitable pattern of most schemes based on our finite human vision. And, yet, I am optimistic for the near future, for not only the virus is a temporary recess from the so-far typical modus vivendi, but, above all, I have faith in the intuitive unfolding of my broader life’s oeuvre.

What caused profound discomfort, though, was the global panic that was palpable even before the present dimensions of the outbreak were conceived. There were frantic reactions, animalistic selfishness, brutality, wrenching anxiety, irrational behaviour – the worst qualities of our species, all unravelled during a challenge which, despite its severity, is neither the most frightening nor the most onerous that we face. As the media and self-appointed experts worldwide rejoice, fathoming worst-case scenarios, gloomy predictions, and apocalyptic revelations, insecurity has penetrated even the most resilient minds, while those belonging to “the risk group” feel more vulnerable than ever. Amidst this turmoil, I found myself observing our global reactions with confusion, disapproval, and some repulsion towards our gullibility to manipulation – though, manipulated was I, as well – ultimately, realising that what pained me the most was my enfeebled trust to our humanity.

A few weeks passed by, and the frustration that was brewing inside me deflated, turning into dullness. Apart from some practical announcements, the rest of the news is mostly a repetition: dim but unworthy of further attention. In this saturated limbo, I finally managed to bounce back to my usual emotional comfort, feeling buoyant, relaxed and joyful again, even though the situation is expected to deteriorate further before ultimately improving. Despite the increasing number of cases and the lack of any reliable conclusions, I feel emotionally immune and, thus, invincible and free, surprised only by the fact that I got dragged for so long into this massive illusion of fear.

It all started a few days ago when I decided to stop following persistently the relevant news. As soon as I allowed myself room to breathe, a thought – new but familiar, shapeless but distinct – emerged from within: there must be a hidden meaning behind such an alarming crisis; some understanding and self-growth potential that still eludes me. This line of thought, cliché and naïve on the surface, swelled with new levels of confidence and a delicious elation that I relished silently for a while until the intangible sensation translated into something concrete: hope and trust.

With renewed calmness, fermented in the liberating absence of control that ultimately turns any struggle or resistance futile, I focused beyond the cacophony, on the massive collaboration that the crisis has stimulated: an unprecedented unanimity, inspired by a “foe” independent from biased ancient beliefs or perceptions. Stripped from any reference to the bipolar stories (good vs evil, “us”, vs “them”) that we have cultivated throughout the millennia to vindicate our actions, we inevitably gravitated towards unity. The boundaries that define our differences melted under the blunt superiority of our similarities – an egalitarian regime found only in the realms of Hades. For several weeks, countless individuals, companies, and countries have agreed to a series of unpleasant measures with rough financial repercussions, demonstrating an extraordinary level of commitment, solidarity, and consensus – qualities that, hopefully, we will choose to adopt in other global challenges as well. It has been intriguing to observe that a mere virus – not even a very deadly one – managed to achieve in such a short time what decades of environmental research, protests, education, and activism are still far from accomplishing. With the paralysing fear – the very element that upset me so much in the beginning – growing into pliancy and resilience, I was reminded that we are, indeed, capable of world-level sacrifices and changes, and could not but feel proud of the beautiful things our stubborn species can achieve – if only we choose so.

As the days unfold and the media insist on reminding us of our frailty and mortality, as we nurture our resilience and experiment with new ways of living while ruminating on our humility, we reconnect with the divine force which, weaved into our genes, prompts us to greatness. Our interconnectivity – initially perceived as the facilitating factor beyond the fiery spread of the outbreak – is honing our social responsibility, turning many of us from selfish individuals into active citizens.

Lingering now mostly at home, with many of my preferred activities curtailed, I ponder on the new perspective to which the virus has put any previous challenge and find inspiration in the unprecedented experience. We still have a long way ahead of us, for the full spectrum of the consequences eludes us, but we have been blessed to witness and participate in the birth of an enhanced level of being. With the weight of the previous weeks lifted, I stand in gratitude for who I have become in just a few days, embrace once more the fragility of our humanity with all the tenderness I can muster, and surrender with trust to our ability to navigate through the unknown.

Photo credits: © Konstantina Sakellariou.

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