Human Resilience

“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo - far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance.”  Jodi Picoult

One of my favorite Doctor Who quotes (yes, I am a fan) is when the Doctor smiles this HUGE smile and says "I love humans.  You lot are the most amazing and resilient creatures."  This week, this and many other things came to mind as the world wrangles with quarantine and what this means in each of our lives.

First there is shock and for many, anger.  We react to our freedom of movement being limited.  We want to do what we want to do, when and how we want to do it.  We feel fettered by this quarantine.

And then there is frustration followed by anxiety and worry.  What does this mean?  How long will this last?  Will we be okay?  How will we get through this?

Grief comes next - for what we have lost, what we will lose, how different the world will look when we come out on the other side.

"We are unstoppable, not because we don't have doubt or fear, but because we continue despite them."  Unknown

But, quickly following all of these feelings and reactions is STRENGTH and RESILIENCE.  Human nature kicking in and saying how can I help others?  What can I do?  How can I make this work?

This week I have seen hundreds of small businesses who have NEVER done anything such as an online streaming video - reach out, figure it out and offer online options for everyone.  Many have done this for free - offering SO many things to help us get through this time with more ease.  These people and businesses jumped in and in just days figured out how to help us at home while under quarantine - how to offer more that is accessible for everyone, everywhere.

It is beautiful, glorious, amazing and my heart is so filled with admiration for the human soul.  

We are faced with a global pandemic that has essentially shut most of our lives down and we are now social distancing on a grand scale; yet, we are coming together to reach out, cross the divide, and offer each other whatever we can.  People are setting up virtual coffee shops to get others together to drink coffee from home while chatting and sharing.  Others are offering their services for free or deeply discounted so everyone can be cared for and supported.  People are supporting local restaurants by ordering to go or buying from small businesses through an online offering.  Many people are donating to their favorite businesses and people to support their continued survival.  We are banding together to do whatever we can to help us ALL get through this.

"I can be changed by what happens to me.  But I refuse to be reduced by it."  Maya Angelou

This is our choice.  This is what makes us human and AMAZING.  WE ARE RESILIENT.  Whatever happens, no matter what it is, we process then jump right in to help in any way we can.  WE ARE STRONG.  No matter how people feel about circumstances right now, I see story after story on social media of people making the very best of it - enjoying nature, being creative, exploring their lives in new and beautiful ways and how they can offer more to this world.

Yes, we all may be changed by this but we will not be reduced by it...

See you on the mat my friends!

Peace, Aprille