The lockdown intended to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to help in saving lives, is likely to continue in most of our countries. In my country, Uganda , we have 55 confirmed cases so far of whom 5 have been discharged, Thankfully, we have no associated deaths among the cases and the health care providers. The Lockdown was extended for another 21 days as of 15/04/20. We expected the extension which even includes a curfew from 7pm to 7am the question was : for how long?
We brace ourselves for another 21 days; confined in our homes for our own safety and for the safety of others.
In today’s world, we want to control things to the point of predicting the outcome in a given situation but then this new virus has rendered us all: rich and poor, black and white ,powerless . No one knows when it will end or the overall social and economic effect it will have on our lives. Consequently, we are stressed , anxious and confused . Looking back at Wuhun, China, the first epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, it took 76 days of tight lockdown and testing to relax the restrictions gradually.
What can help us to go through this lockdown with relative ease, is for us not to lose hope and to remain positive. Nothing lasts forever, it will end and each day brings us closer to that eventuality. To remain hopeful and positive , each one of us has the responsibility to be kind and to spread joy other than panic and fear. Having said that, I would advise that you also pay attention to what you experience every day so that you pick the lessons you need to learn to inform the resetting of your life now and in the future. In life, no experience is ever wasted.
“ Do not throw a grenade, it is already messy,” I have had someone advise.
We should all be striving to brighten up our lives and other people’s lives too.
In my own simple way, I am trying to bring colour and energy into our lives by sharing some colourful photos from my collection.
I hope they will colour your life too and keep you hopeful and enthusiastic about life.
Colourful and inviting to the eyes and to the palate. The yellow colour evokes warmth and comfort while red evokes love and excitement.
Lush green shrubs and trees- the leaves glistening in the sunlight, remind me that to live is to be really alive: aware of who you are and your surroundings and engaging fully with life. Connecting with Nature helps me find my place in the universe and reminds me of my important duty of protecting and preserving it for future generations.
It calms and relaxes my soul. It always reminds me that I have to be calm and peaceful to think rationally.
The iconic, rugged Table Mountains , Cape Town , South Africa.
When it rains long enough, even the desert blooms
The tall coconut tree- able to survive hurricanes! It belongs to a family of old trees which have evolved over million of years to withstand their harsh environment. They have spongy tissues and root ball systems that spread over a big surface area to tap nourishment and water.
I agree with the behavioural psychologists that our true perception of colours is deeply rooted in our experiences and culture.
At the moment, the majority of us are living in confined spaces but each one can make some effort to go out and simply create the life he/she wants under these difficult and unprecedented times. Like the professional artist, little by little , day by day, each one of us can create beauty and significance in her/his life using her/his gifts, talents and imagination. Being technology- savvy keeps you kilometers ahead.
Even in this COVID-19 – induced lockdown, the clock has not stopped and life is still an adventure . I am required to apply some passion, perseverance, patience, a sense of adventure and discipline, to create the life I want for myself. I have all the colours of the rainbow to choose from as I paint the canvas of my life. Using bold, bright colours will help me to keep my enthusiasm for life. Every day, I have to motivate myself by believing that I have to go through this experience to rise to another level of mastery. Challenges and struggles make our lives interesting and overcoming them gives us more confidence and power.
Like the coconut trees which evolved to become flexible and adaptable to withstand hurricanes, during this pandemic , we are truly growing, hardening and evolving. Many of us will still be standing when the COVID-19 pandemic is over and we shall be stronger, wiser and more adventurous .
One famous quote by Robert H. Schuller has come to my mind: Tough times never last, but tough people do.”
QUESTION:
What kind of routine have you developed to help you find optimal well being physically, emotionally and mentally during this Lockdown period?
STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY.
apagefrommunakusbook 