The Second Wave — Can we hold our nerve? Will this pass too?
By: Shankar Balakrishnan
Tags: Second Wave Of Covid 19, Positive, Crisis, Second Wave, Heartfulness

Just as we were all thinking, good times are to begin, and thinking about balance, change, love, etc. as in my previous writings, the world, especially India has been hit by a second wave of suffering, more depressing than the first. The pace with which this hit us, is too difficult for anyone to ignore and shakes us all, even the toughest. How can we remain at peace and calm? And why? How can we not be affected by the suffering humanity around us? Few thoughts that could help us and contribute in each of our own way to help our brethren.

1. Be in the present. What matters most now and how to tackle that? First for ourselves, then those around us? Like the air hostess mentions about wearing the oxygen mask in case of emergency first for yourself, before attending your child. 2. Try not to think beyond a day or a week utmost. When things are changing rapidly, it does not make sense to think about things too much beyond the current rate of change. This includes our worry about future, world at large, long term plans that may not make any sense now. 3. Filter the information /disinformation tsunami out there. Keep few important contacts. In case of emergency, we will have to handle on our own, even with much information and supporting friends and families. 4. Within each day, grab few moments to practice deep breathing, guided relaxation, or music, and spend or provide happy moments and inspiring thoughts to others from your daily life.

There are no big solutions due to the scale of the current situation, except for waiting for time to change the course of things and doing what we can and what we should do. And for those whom we cannot physically be of help, spend again moments in prayerful, positive thoughts and suggestions, even if you are atheist or believer. Prayer does not mean praying to God, but also letting the inner cry of our heart out to the unknown, the nature around us to support each other and sending positive thoughts around the planet. We cannot remain undisturbed in the current situation, which we all hope should pass soon, but learn and prepare ourselves in the best possible manner to avoid another wave. We will need the good times to come to even remember and grieve those we lost in a quite manner. At present even time to grieve seem to be taken away. But set our intentions to wait for that time when we can grieve, and instead send waves of gratitude now to those who were part of our lives. For those who are fortunate not to be affected by the pandemic, stay protected to prevent the pandemic from further expansion. Use your time to prepare yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What every crisis teaches each is to be better prepared by having correct thinking, right understanding and an honest approach to life.

Have one of these positive suggestions* even while doing your work:

1. Everything surrounding us, the air particles, people, the birds, the trees … everything around us is deeply absorbed in Godly remembrance or in osmosis with the Source and developing increased peacefulness and moderation. 2. Everyone is developing correct thinking, right understanding and an honest approach to life. 3. Meditate/ Think that everyone is being filled with love and devotion and that real faith is growing stronger in them.

Or any positive vibe that appeals to your own heart, spread it with your thought.

*Heartfulness suggestions — https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/prayerful-suggestions-for-the-benefit-of-one-and-all

And if you end up here, still not motivated enough and have a little more, time this video from Amanda Gore should cheer you up.

Have a good day!