Congratulations, if you are reading this! …

Recently I got a call from one of my acquaintances, that he would like to take my help in getting counseling as he is getting very anxious about COVID 19. Though he is trying his best, he is not able to come out of it. This is a very common phenomenon with most of us these days and each one of us behave in a different manner depending on economical, physical and emotional situations. 

 It’s easy to let negative thoughts and feelings creep in during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus is spreading. Nations are under quarantine. People are out of work. Schools remain closed, indefinitely. If you’re feeling afraid, you’re not alone. “That’s a natural response. There is a lot going on, and there are incredible changes. That kind of fear is what most of us feel,” . Despite all of this, keeping a positive mindset can go a long way in managing through the difficult time. This is a moment to take a deep breath and pause. We are all in a snapshot in time where business, as usual, has come to a grinding halt and patience, discipline and resiliency will be essential characteristics of our lives over the next few weeks and months. We must recognize that these attributes are not only important now, but will remain with you for life to handle any crisis situation. 

 This is the first time ever all of us got an opportunity and time to indulge into self-communication. The power of self-communication is a trait unique to only humans. It is the ability to speak to yourself, but mostly in a non-verbal way. When you are indulging into self-communication, ask yourself this question. What is important? State of mind or state of affairs? Obviously your answer will be state of mind. However, you will observe most of the time the state of affairs is disturbing you, be it information on news, people getting affected and dying because of corona or you are getting corona or somebody driving fast on the road. Just remember and communicate to yourself loudly “ My State of mind is more powerful than state of affairs”. Pause and look at any situation happening around, smile and communicate to yourself, I will handle this with a smile. Normal tendency is to panic and react. Your job is to nurture your state of mind and make it more powerful than state of affairs. Few practices given below can help you to develop a strong and powerful state of mind.

1. Gratitude : Have a great sense of gratitude. I was telling my mother, if we have a job and place to stay during these times, we are the most blessed individual on earth. For those who have a job, be thankful for that. For those who don’t, look at people around, who care for you. There are many other things to be thankful for. Sit one day and write all good things you have during this corona time that others don’t have. You will see you are blessed. 
2. Routine : The second would be just trying to maintain a rhythm and routine for each day. I always believe in creating momentum. It could be doing some writing, learning new skills, starting your work on time and ending on time with the concept of “Power Hour” so that you don’t get distracted.  
3. Help Others : Find a way to help others. Look for what practical things you can do to help people around? “I really found helping others helps me feel better about myself and my own life.” It could be as simple as calling someone and just “Listening” without saying a word. When you look around, you will find there are a lot of opportunities to help others. This will give you power and you will be able to communicate to yourself that you are contributing in some way or other during this crisis. A drop of contribution will also matter. 
4. Hope and Faith: Go out on your balcony or walk down the road and watch the sunrise and sunset. It simply means after dusk, dawn is imminent. Corona will soon be gone and we will be back to normal soon. Be hopeful and give that hope to others. 
5. Smell nature: Go out and take a walk in woods and feel and smell nature. This will give you a feeling of creation all around whether it’s blooming flowers in spring, noticing the buds on trees or seeing the beauty of those fearless birds. 

Don’t let these silly state of affairs take control of your state of mind. The world has seen worse times than these and it has emerged. We will also emerge stronger and skillful.   

“If you’re reading this…Congratulations, you’re alive. If that’s not something to smile about, then I don’t know what is.” People who don’t have challenges are in grave, you have challenge, be it corona or no corona, it means you are alive.