The Case for Mindfulness in the Time of Covid-19

If the global pandemic is to be a ‘trigger’ event, a moment of disruption that ushers in a new global chapter, what factors will determine the shape of this new chapter? And what is the role of mindfulness in this moment?

First of all we must be mindful of the reality – what is actually occurring around the world. Can we choose to be more judiciously aware of the science, politics, choices, vectors and communications relevant to the spread of the virus?

Can we be more mindful of the stories, the narratives that we choose to tell? Can we be more  aware and intentional of the stories that will be told and how the choices we make now may shape society and the learning, or not?

Can we choose to be mindful of the diverse histories, contexts, and circumstances that shape how different people and communities are able to respond and react? In this case we need to be mindful of the agency demarcated  by geo-political forces, cultural beliefs, and individual habits that determine individual and community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passports matter, freedom of movement matters, access to resources and information matters, access to communication and the possibility of remote social contact matters, freedom to communicate, trust in leadership, all of these factors matter and we need to be deliberately aware of these dynamics as we choose how to interact and communicate.

This is a time of big emotions. It behooves us to be mindful of these emotions, to recognize, name, befriend, and manage them in ourselves , in our families, in our communities and in our news outlets. What are the antidotes to these big feelings? Big feelings, are by definition accompanied by greater surges of neuro-peptides and chemicals and are therefore more difficult to regulate than milder feelings or milder versions of the same feelings. Big feelings have more of a hold on you.

Can we notice what keeps emotions from getting the upper hand in this understandably frightening and uncertain time?  Can we become more mindful and skillful in distinguishing feelings, their causes and consequences, and patterns of feelings, thoughts and actions? People give different interpretations to the same event dependent on personal  experiences and, in part, temperaments. Might these unusual times be an opportunity to become detectives around emotions, learning to understand and utilize emotions for the greater good? What would it take for the newscasters, parents, teachers, and decision-makers to become more cognizant, intentional and accountable about the emotions they engender in communications? If society became more emotionally skillful in general and all were held to account for the emotional climates fostered, might this shift impact the shape of society post the COVID-19 pandemic?

Finally we need to be mindful of the intentions of actions. Is the intention of a policy to save the maximum number of people? Is the intention to give accurate information and strengthen civic engagement? Is it to educate and provide opportunities for responsible engagement? To save the economy? To shift or maintain status quo?

Learning in a crisis is not easy. It is often only when we look back over our shoulders that we can realize the lessons, connections, consequences and choices and it is then that the learning can emerge.

Without awareness, agency and intentionality, this moment may not become a movement that trends the world towards greater good.  For me, this global pandemic could represent a trigger event to usher in a new way.  My hopes for the new era are greater equity, a narrative that challenges unfettered growth as good, and increased compassion.