Lasting Lessons

2020 has tested us in more ways than one. It has taught us to cope, adapt and adjust. We learnt the new way to live. But, lessons learnt will be meaningless if we forget them. And the confirmation of learning will be in the behavioural changes that follow a new normal from now on.

 The first lesson is taking precaution of preventing infection. The face shield not only protected us but it ensured that we did not spread infection. We must remember it is not only about saving the self. Our largely safety lies in the safety of the collective. We are in the same boat, in the same storm, in the same turbulence.

 The second is about hygiene. Sanitisation is a reaction. It is vital to have collective responsibility towards cleanliness. Sadly, garbage collectors are treated with contempt and we are yet to fully learn the importance of reducing and segregating our waste. We must change attitudes and actions that load the garbage heap.

 The third lesson is about living within our resources. Grabbing and hoarding of resources increased. Social media was full of privileges being flaunted. The ‘haves’ made things worse for the ‘have-nots’. Nevertheless, many of us learned to live with less. The world has enough for everybody’s need but not for greed.

 The fourth lesson was to work-from-home. While it cannot apply to everyone, we must avoid stepping out without reason. We learnt to use technology to meet, communicate and connect. The needs and wants of ‘real’ meeting will always remain. While travel will pull us again, we must learn to cull the unnecessary trips.

 The fifth lesson is to share what we have with others… not just food and utility things, but we should share hope. We must embrace empathy at all times. Human rights are compromised when some stray away from their humane responsibilities. We must choose to be responsible and responsive in every action.

 But the important lesson is to ‘slow down’. We were running around at crazy speeds, hoarding and acquiring needless assets, creating a strain on natural resources and losing focus of our collective responsibilities. We must not let go of the new positive habits acquired during these trying times. We must make the lessons last.

 May empathy never go out of fashion…

Hold on to the safety of lasting lessons!

 ~ Pravin K. Sabnis