The Lockdown Evolution Challenge
The changes brought on by the Covid1-9 Lock-down can be viewed as a challenge to evolve. All that we know, or thought that we knew, has been challenged.
It was a bright sunny day; we were all going about our daily business. There was some vague chitter-chatter about a virus in China, that was supposedly spread to people by a bat and the wet markets. This virus seemed to be killing a few people, but we carried on happily with our daily routines because we were safe here in South Africa.
A few weeks went by, and the chitter -chatter grew a bit louder; the virus had spread to the USA and Europe through international travel, furthermore, the virus seemed to be killing the infected as there was no cure yet. The virus was said to emanate basic flu symptoms which then lead to pneumonia and eventually death. South Africa was a bit shaken due to the fact that the cases and death toll seemed to be escalating in the countries that we always thought were so much more advanced than us, the countries who we looked up to and even dreamt of immigrating to one day to pursue the life of kings and queens. Yet still, we continued our daily habits of going to school, work, attending mass family gatherings, travelling out and visiting our most beloved, but the topic of the virus seemed to be of note these days.
Then one day, we got official word from the media that the deadly virus had made its way to our beloved South Africa, the very same way it did to the other countries- that was through international travel. The South African government wasted no time in spreading the protective measures that fellow South Africans should take in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. We all soon found ourselves washing our hands more than regularly and sanitizing ourselves and the surfaces around us. We also took extra precautions when we sneezed and coughed by ensuring we cover our mouths because the virus was said to be spread by the droplets of saliva from the infected person.
As the cases increased in South Africa, it was evident that the reason for this was social contact. There were talks of social distancing and a national lockdown, but this was a bit too much to take in. How was that even possible, one minute we are going to school and work and doing our part in the rat race to survive, then the very next day we are threatened by a deadly virus and will be commanded to stay at home and not go to school or work or the shops or visit family. How will we survive, how will our businesses survive, how will we get money without working?
After a few more days, the head of our country then announced and confirmed that there will indeed be a 21-day National Lockdown implemented in our country and each citizen will have to abide by the set regulations. Presently we have survived the 21-day Lockdown, but due to the escalation of the virus the Lockdown was extended by a further two weeks. That makes one month of staying at home to be safe from the deadly virus.
Each fellow South African experiences the Covid19 pandemic lockdown from their own frame of reference which is informed by their perception of themselves in relation to society at large. Many citizens are currently experiencing anxiety and depression due to the strict regulations of the lockdown. The loss of business and income has plunged many into depression. The banning of cigarettes and alcohol has been the cause of frustration and anxiety amongst those who indulge in such substances, and lastly, the confinement to ones one home may lead to feelings of hopelessness and loss of purpose. The sudden changes brought upon by the Covid19 virus has directly and indirectly affected each and every human being on this planet.
It is imperative that we understand that just like any other major unexpected changes we have faced, one has to allow time for mentally, emotionally and physically accepting the new situation. Once one has accepted that change has in fact occurred, one either adapts to the new change or evolves into a more complex and higher form of living.
It often occurs that major life-changing events are in fact a cue for an evolution into a higher level of existence. In essence, the changes brought on by the Covid19 Lockdown can be viewed as a challenge to evolve into a higher functioning human being. All that we know or thought that we knew has been challenged.
When faced with such a challenge, one should find the need to re-evaluate one’s current mindset and allow for an opportunity for growth. The Lockdown should be viewed as a time for personal growth. Spend this time by strengthening your mind, body and spirit by engaging in self-awareness activities. Become aware of yourself. Formulate new goals and plans in line with the new situation. Always believe that you can and will overcome this.
Some useful tips to engage in self-awareness:
- Meditation
- Keeping a lockdown journal
- Minimizing media coverage of the virus
- Exploring hidden interests and talents
- Write a story about who you are and who you want to be.
The crisis will be over soon, and you will emerge as the product of your response to the challenge.
Niyoshi is a qualified Counsellor, based in CBD, Newcastle, South Africa.
With a commitment to mental health, Ms Pillay provides services in Afrikaans and English, including Counselling (Career).
Ms Pillay has expertise in Career Issues.
Click here to schedule a session with Ms Pillay.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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