Another Coronavirus Blogpost…

I’ve been feeling the need to write a blog post on all this Corona debacle… oh yes, another article on Corona to add to the stockpile of data, information, news etc. But this is definitely not a data led post and it’s definitely not a medical-advice post. There are no stats and numbers and figures and no graphs of delay phases and flattened curves.

Wait, I lied – here’s a graph:

This is very much a personal opinion piece. 

In leading with this being a personal opinion piece, I feel I need to pre-frame this with a disclaimer that I am a deeply caring person. I care deeply about the health and wellbeing of every person and I have a big heart which wants to ensure I am doing the best I personally can to keep as many people safe, healthy and happy. It’s because I care so deeply about people that I am a yoga teacher. It’s because I care so deeply about people that I put myself into self isolation last week (forfeiting my own income) in an attempt to minimise risk.

This post is in no way intended to minimise the serious nature of this virus and the devastating impact it is having on our health care systems, our economy, our personal lives, our personal finances, our social interactions, our mental health and our personal wellbeing. In this post I want to acknowledge all of that and add an “AND ALSO…” perspective.  

This virus is completely devastating on so many levels AND ALSO, 

Nature has it’s own creative intelligence – far beyond what us mortal humans can begin to comprehend. Nature and intelligent life force is way, way bigger than any of us and this virus is truly bringing it all to a head.

Disclaimer: The opinion I’m about to share is probably not suited to you if you are an overly sensitive type. If that is the case- my suggestion is to close down this window right now – or perhaps click over here to read a cartoon of me plummeting down a mountain on skis with zero skill whatsoever (spoiler: I miraculously survived).

For time immemorial Nature has found a creative way to continuously keep strengthening the herd. Plagues, floods, natural disasters, viruses, disease – these have been going on for centuries – with survival belonging to the resilient ones. 

At this point I have to acknowledge white privilege – as in many instances resiliency comes more easily to those with access to funds, health care, support networks and systemic advantages. I have to place myself in this camp and acknowledge this – particularly as I also am NOT part of a high risk group in terms of Corona with regard to my age and general health. Let it be noted that I am aware of this.

The most vulnerable in our society in relation to Covid-19 are those in the elderly population and those with pre-existing medical conditions. As far as I know, it is not targeting children, it is not targeting healthy fit adults and it is not targeting the functioning working force.* It is targeting weaker areas of the whole. This may be hard for people to read, particularly if you have a loved one in a more vulnerable position (as I do with in-laws, family and friends). *Edit: Reports are now showing that Corona is now hospitalising adults under the age of 44 – (unclear as to whether these adults have underlying medical conditions or not.) Whilst “the risk for serious disease and death in COVID-19 cases among persons in the United States increases with age” no one is fully immune.

In nature, when lions attack a herd of zebra, the herd mobilises in defence and it is the slowest or weakest animal in the herd that is attacked. It is just a fact of life and it is this very fact that strengthens the herd and potentially allows for a stronger defence in the future. Perhaps when viewed through this lens, Corona is here to strengthen the herd, to build resiliency and to force us to tap into our creative resourcefulness. When I think about it through the Darwinism perspective of “natural selection” this is how evolution works – and then I question a lot within the media and their coverage of it all – as yes, to a certain extent knowledge is power, AND ALSO knowledge creates unnecessary panic, for a process that is simply part of the evolution of our time.

When I write about simply allowing nature to do it’s thing, it can put a lot of people’s backs up about me not being caring/or simply being heartless, so again, I want to remind you that this is an “AND ALSO…” opinion. The inner child in us can usually only see one perspective, the adult in us is able to assimilate both. 

When I view it through the adult perspective, part of me looks at governments and health care systems across the globe attempting to “play god” and control this force of nature – in ways that appear to be completely arrogant and ego-driven: “Look how well we can contain this thing! We will just lock down everyone and their freedom of movement! Look how many people don’t get Corona! Look how many people we can save!” Again, a reminder, this is an “AND ALSO…” opinion. Because of course I believe that we should be helping, healing and saving lives where possible! That goes without saying. And I have to believe that governments are doing what they feel is best with regard to the information they have – which is way more than the information I have!

Putting the entire world on pause to help delay the inevitable and slow down the impact on the health care systems is a good idea! AND ALSO… it is having a massive economical impact on the current working force and will do for years to come. Essentially it is the healthy herd of zebra stopping mid-lion-attack to go and form a circle around the one with the broken leg. This is just NOT how nature and evolution works – AND ALSO there is something very beautiful about that analogy. 

We are in some super interesting times right now so it’s useful to remind yourself of the “AND ALSO…” perspective. 

I had a group call with one of the courses that I am on – (it’s usually an in person group, but ya know), I left that call feeling a lot of hope for the current situation. People expressed a sense of “exhilaration” at this time – with everything being thrown on it’s head, sent into chaos, disrupted. And actually on reflection we can adopt a bit of that thinking too. 

What needs to be shaken up in your life right now? 
This is a time to dismantle systems (both global and personal) that are not working – what are yours?

What an amazing opportunity to slow down, to reconnect with your loved ones, to hit pause on your own life and take stock of what is really important.

Many of us are home bound. 

So, continue working where you can to help alleviate financial strain down the line AND ALSO… take time to do something you’ve not had time for before: paint, cook, read, listen to podcasts, clear your sock drawer, knit a jersey, create something, spring clean, organise your office, donate your clothes, write a letter, write a poem, write a novel! Start a blog, start a charity, start a revolution! Meditate, Appreciate, Give where you can. 

Tune inwards AND ALSO think of others.
Look after your needs AND ALSO act in ways that allow others to take care of theirs.
Show support AND ALSO receive it where you need.
Find a new routine AND ALSO get creative.

We are in a time of massive uncertainty, so it is up to us to create practices (yoga, meditation, breathing, mindfulness, routine) that help to ground us in the here and now.

For anyone who is at home and looking for a way to keep their bodies moving and themselves entertained – I run an online platform MOVE BREATHE CREATE – with yoga flows, meditations and creative tutorials and DIYs to keep you busy during self isolation. As my offering to you – receive a free month with the code “homeyoga” when you sign up here. Please feel free to share This link with friends and family!