June 21, 2020 – Summer Solstice
It’s been 95 days since CoVid19 forced most of us in the Bay Area to stay home. Yesterday marked Summer Solstice, the start of summer and the longest day of the year for 2020 and today, June 21 is Father’s Day.
CoVid19 is forcing us humans to mark these days just like any other days, uneventful and without much fanfare. From my practical mind’s point of view, it’s great! We don’t have to necessarily succumb to artificial trappings that cultural norms have imposed on us – i.e. spending money that oftentimes we may not have in order to celebrate something because society expects us to do so. Covid19 is making us stay within our own family bubbles so now the “celebration” is hopefully more meaningful and personal rather than material.
Summer is a different story. What would this year’s season of warm weather, sunshine and traditional “free” time be like for those of us living in the Western Hemisphere? As for me, I was supposed to have come back from a scuba diving live aboard in famous Tubattaha Reef in the Philippines (June 4-12) and now should be gearing up for a Scandinavian summer vacation originally planned for July. All got cancelled, of course.
Do I have any regrets for not being able to move forward with these plans? Curiously enough, no. I’m at peace with the current reality and I understand that the situation is larger and more dire than me not being able to realize any of my travel plans. I’m more interested in making sure that we control the spread of CoVid19 and cross fingers, finding a cure versus my own selfish interest.
The places I want to visit will always be there. Don’t you agree?
For those of you who have been anxious about getting back on the road or feeling depressed about not being able to do or realize your plans this year, I’d like to share the following perspective:
- Ask yourself, as you’re reading this, when was the last time you did a gut check and stopped thinking about what ifs and instead focus on what can you be thankful for this very moment? You’re healthy, you are safe, you have online connection. Start with a mindset of gratitude and you’ll notice your anxiety level going down. Practice this either in the morning when you wake up or in the evening before you go to bed. Make a mental list of 5 things you’re grateful for.
- Pay attention to things happening around you rather than feeling sorry for yourself. Do you see, hear, notice suffering around you? How can you help alleviate it or how can you contribute to solving it? Volunteer, help someone in need or call someone to reach out. Once you start doing this, you’ll realize that you have a lot more positive energy to give to others and I guarantee, you’ll start feeling better about yourself and your situation.
- Your plans may not be realized this year, but if you continue to focus on those plans, you can certainly work towards checking those off your list, probably within the next 12 months. It’s a matter of perspective. The same way that I know, I’ll still be scuba diving in Tubattaha and traveling to Scandinavia, not in 2020 but perhaps, 2021 or even 2022. Is that so bad? Not really, isn’t it?
Our happiness and well-being doesn’t depend on what we can and cannot accomplish or what others have and we don’t possess. Happiness and well-being is being and living in the moment.
Have a great summer!
