Who would have thought that the world would come to this? As covid pandemic is sweeping the world, we as individuals in the extended human world are living through this crisis together. And this global crisis is affecting every person’s daily life. There are plenty of things happening worldwide- series of lockdown, border closures, economic and social disruption, impact on the education system, health concerns.
Amidst all, it’s easy to lose our hopes and brood over the negative effects of an event, especially as a community when we are battling a global pandemic. But for every low, there is a high and it’s true that even this current scenario has a silver lining to it.
There were clear skies, less pollution, innovations to tackle problems, adaptation of healthy lifestyles, and many more. The forced isolation has made us realise the importance of life and the world we live in. Among all this, the pandemic also has taught us human values, selfcare, maintaining personal relationships and understanding self. Self includes self-realization and this happens after we go through self-reflection, which has become essential at this time.
When I talk about self-reflection, it is like looking into the mirror and describing what you see. It is a way of assessing yourself. Amid the daunting global crisis, self-reflection is something we should think of.
Self-reflecting helps to develop skills and review effectiveness, rather than just carrying on doing things, we have always done. It is about questioning in a positive way. While I write this, I will put light on how I have gone through this. As I continued to do my daily work, I thought back about how life has changed during this widespread havoc. Taking time to ponder always helps. I would ask myself whether there is a way to do better with my personal relationships, my urge to do something in life, career or for my society.
Little by little, after looking at the larger picture I came to the realisation that having faith and working hard in life can work for me to some extent. I would think that how I can direct my life and energy to something positive. So slowly, the need to keep calm and continue to grow as a person is a part and parcel of the benefits of reflective practice. Living through this pandemic, I realised that most of us come across self-care and reflection. Many of us are also figuring out when life will return to some form of normal, is that even possible? No one knows.
But the unique thing is that we are in this crisis together, the rich and poor, the educated and illiterate, so how we can help each other process our emotions, expectations, and experiences. Like many of us, I am still figuring out my answers. I am still struggling with them daily but eventually, it will help me in the long run.
Reopening life possibilities brings forth a crossword of decisions in how we can direct our time and energy. Taking advantage of this pandemic to reflect on one’s life and to take a step back and giving yourself the time and space to reflect on your goals and accomplishments, is when one can get a clearer pictureof the world they stay. There are many things that needs to be pondered upon, such as having a life, privileged to be in a country, the world that gives us so much to live with, our own loved ones, and this life.
So, we need to take care of ourselves through this time and also be hopeful for the future so we can bring positive change to the world.
About the Author: Ms. Aranyaka Mallick is a master’s in Clinical and Counselling Psychology and Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, NCERT. Aranyaka Mallick is currently working as a counselor and special educator at Sai International School, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She is also working as a therapist at The Learning Clinic, Bhubaneswar of DR. J.P. DAS. With the experience of about 2 years in this field.
