Do you think that the pandemic has succeeded in making the world softer – a gentler and better place?
“What on earth can we do to make this sad and beautiful world a little softer for everyone?”
― Shannan Martin, The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You
Making The World Softer
Today marks one year since India began to lock down to stop the spread of Covid-19. This is the day last year that India’s Prime Minister called for people to acknowledge the contribution of doctors and nurses to the fight against the pandemic, little realizing that it was just the beginning. He also urged people to make a noise at 5 pm! And people went berserk – moving around in large news and banging pots, pans, drums, firing crackers etc! People thought the noise would chase away the virus! Sadly, this noisy response was not what our country needed.
Shortly afterwards, we witnessed thousands of migrant labourers and their families stranded and jobless walking hundreds of kilometers back home. While the Government played their games, many organizations and individuals reached out to help these hapless people with food and transport. While I tried to do my bit, gathering resources, buying groceries and connecting people to resources, I was constantly moved by the scores of people who went above and beyond to help. Their actions are what made the world a kinder and softer for others.
How has the year changed me?
I’ve written a post about what 2020 taught me. But today, one year later, I’m asking myself if how I feel about the world and my contribution towards making it a kinder place. I know, there’s so much more that I can do to make life easier for those who really need it.
For me, the year has taught me to be kinder to those in need and to stand up to those who are oppressing them. We’ve had to fight battles on behalf of stray dogs in our housing complex that people want to get rid of. The year saw me being threatened with violence and having to go to the police station in the midst of a pandemic. But I’m glad that we were not alone in this. Apart from some people in the colony who also feed strays, we were able to connect to a wide network of generous souls who go above and beyond to save street dogs and other animals. Their selfless work is truly making this world a softer place.
A year into the pandemic how do you feel about the world?
As I mentioned in my post last week, #MondayMusings will no longer have a linky. I will be linking in at Anita Ojeda’s Inspire Me Monday instead.
Image Credits: Sven Brandsma on Unsplash
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Well, what a year it has been!
We learned many things. One of them is “We can never say, we know it for sure.” No one knows, what lies ahead. What we can do is to make the most of the present. Let’s be “human” first, and then everything else.
Another thing I learnt is: what was supposed to be impossible, is certainly possible. Only the mindset has to change.
The third lesson we learnt was the new normal. But the itch to go back to the old normal isn’t a good sign.
Indeed, if at the end of this we’ve come to accept our humanity more, then it’s all been worth it!
After one year of pandemic, I realized that we take many things for granted. Even simple dinner with family and friends or a movie is so much to be grateful for now. But, iam also happy to have received my first dose of vaccine. Hoping for small businesses to thrive and world becoming a happy place again.
Oh yes, our blessings seem even more real when after all the world has gone through. I’m glad you received your first dose. I’m waiting my turn – hopefully, next week.
Hi Corinne, I’m so happy to read about you helping the strays 🙂 It’s so tough for everyone and yet, being kinder does make everything that much easier to deal with. I truly hope that we can all be softer towards each other although, I’m afraid to say that I’ve also seen people go the opposite way. I can’t blame them because it’s usually fear driven but I also hope we can help each more. Let’s see what happens 😉
Yes, it’s been a bit of both, hasn’t it? I guess we’re all in an alien territory with the pandemic and sometimes our fears rule the day. Let’s hope that we can be kinder and less fearful!
I love the Shannan Martin quote. I am a fan of hers. I have seen many examples of selflessness during the pandemic. I have seen examples of greed too (like hoarding toilet paper in the early days of the pandemic). Maybe this crisis has exaggerated many people’s natural tendencies. It has brought out our best and worst natures.
I think you’re right, about natural tendencies, Laurie. But since we’re living in ‘new times’ perhaps we can adopt new ways too!
it’s ironic how bad times bring out the worst as well as the best in people. When I think of how terrible the year has been for a lot of people like the migrant workers, I cannot complain about it at all on a personal level. I’m just grateful that my family and I have come through it.
Yes, there’s no doubt that we all should be grateful. I really wish that could translate into action towards those who need our assistance though.
Oh, my! I’m so sorry you had to go through that. You ask a good question–how has the pandemic made me softer. It’s made me realize how privileged I am and grown a desire within me to make sure everyone else can share in those privileges. I marched in two protests after the George Floyd killing, and I stood vigil outside a police station where a man had been unjustly detained by police. Small things actions on my part, but I hope the message of solidarity towards those who suffer came through.
Thank you, Anita. You inspire me with your sharing. Every small action is a part of the bigger cause. Praying as the George Floyd hearing takes place – so heart-breaking, really!