A Soldier, (not) a Postman!

It is for real. COVID-19 is here and spreading exponentially. We are in a state of war, a war so difficult that the enemy is still not fully known. And thus, we are scrambling for the right weapon.

The good part is, that a valiant soldier is as mighty and as determined even without his obvious weapons. In this state of war, we all have that choice to make. To be that soldier who wears his self-control at all times, who is fit in every way, who has courage – both physical and moral! A soldier concentrates on his job in the face of the greatest danger. A soldier motivates and uplifts his mates. Relays stories of valour from his unit and shares anecdotes of victory. A soldier saves the bad news for the end. Together, they all take stock of the loss at the end and they grieve, together! But till then, they fight. To win.

Today, I  choose to be the Soldier and not merely a Postman. With over 100s of channels and a similar number of websites churning out ceaseless news coverage, update and bulletins on the situation worldwide, why do we re-relay it? With the ease of having endless resources and media, should I not make the choice of using those to share something else instead? Something that my receiver doesn’t feel sorry to receive, something that doesn’t add to the despair and disappointment. Something that doesn’t scare but encourages. Something that’s cohesive and not otherwise. Something that talks about liberating when everything else is limiting! Is there still a thing of beauty in this despair? Of course! Then, let us share, PLEASE!

I resolve to do this. Hereon, the messages I will send will only be to check on friends and family and to wish them good. And importantly, to thank those who’re really fighting bravely every day – the teachers. I am already sharing the ‘Health’ summary after my morning run and it feels fabulous. The next picture will be of my SO’s happy meeting with Joey when he returns home from work. A forwarded message will be of the recipe of that quick snack that the mothers desperately need with the kids at home 24/7 huh! Looking forward to sharing the video of my butterflies and I pull off a near-perfect and smooth Charkasana. I hope to shortly share with my friends a recording of the song – Mahi Ve (Highway); a tough one this song is J. And information/news will be handpicked basis need and urgency. And will be limited to what I believe may not be accessible to my circle (earlier than it is to me).

These times are trying. But not entirely new. Most of us have braved the 2008 recession. We and our families have fought and outlived diseases. We have had restrictions due to natural calamities, war or political situations. We have even grieved but healed ourselves after a death in the family. We have all been outstanding care-givers at one time. Let us draw energy from that past. We have been house-bound, eaten simple home-cooked food, and not socialized much. We have even watched our expenses and rationed essentials. If we won then, we will this time too. These are our tales of victories. Let us remind ourselves of these and share these. Let us resolve to share only that soothes, comforts and heals. We are soldiers, not postmen!

“The only way out is the way through!” – Robert Frost

SERENDIPITY......... :)

"Someday, everything will make perfect sense!" Though a perfect line, this hadn't been making too much sense to me lately. There is just too much chaos, fear and uncertainty around to be able to confidently tell yourself and others around you - that everything happens for a reason. And last week, after it was confirmed that our annual trip to home (India) is cancelled, I accepted. It is for real. The spread is continually increasing. COVID-19 is affecting us all!

This Friday, as we all got together at home in the evening, we kind of re-invented Friday evening. Mall visit wasn't an option and hence there was a plan B. Board games. And through the game, we realised that our younger one could make many more complex words than we thought she could. She was no more a 'Kachha Nimbu' in Pictionary. Wow! Serendipity! Basking in the glory, she showcased another talent of hers - of playing the Flute. And thanks to her, for the first time, I tried my hands on a few notes too :). the Friday dinner had to be special as well, but this time home-cooked. So, Thai Red Curry with fragrant rice it was. Enormous chopping and prepping was involved and everyone pitched in. Yummilicious! We absolutely didn't miss the mall visit. 

The last entire week was of discoveries. The Holi celebrations planned by the Indian community was cancelled and hence Holi felt a little less colourful this year. However, on Monday, on Holi we got talking about Holi. I told the girls all the stories related to the festival. We discussed for hours as one thing led to the other, one festival to another. It felt good. Some really long lost stories, we took help from Google also and relished the most enticing stories. Holi had different colours this time around. It was more personal, just us. And, there were Samosas. Homemade!

The current situation has given us more time. At home. With each other. In this chaos, there is more compassion. The girls are happy to wipe the muddy paw prints as Joey hops around the house excitedly. While organizing her wardrobe with me, the younger one handed out two jackets to be passed on to the househelp's daughter. It warmed my heart. She thought of another girl of her age needing as much care as she was being given. My other girl asked to add one for their family as well when I was ordering a large pack of Handwash liquid.  Amidst the fear, the rapidly changing stats, and the sealing of borders by countries; there lies a chance to be calm, careful, and creative! Getting worked up isn't working and I can say that with experience. It pushes you down. Let us be aware of the developments and let us spread the Positive ones more. 

I was reminded that Spring is already here as a I saw my Jasmine bush in its full bloom :) Summer is around the corner. The virus will perish they're saying, very soon. 

Until then, let us feel safe and happy! The smell of essential oils has grown on me and is going to be daily affair hereon :) The sanitisers are going to remain in the bags and on the tabletops for a long time. Let us read a little more, write a little more. Paint that canvas. Catch up on a few old movies or binge-watch an entire season of Modern Family! Let us try that difficult-but-tempting recipe, let's give our SO a good head massage. Let's spend this summer at home! A different holiday this time around. Let's enjoy this serendipity string! 

Technology is helping us with all that's needed to be done at this moment. Let's do our bit to curb the spread. Let us 'flatten the curve'. 
Namaste!!!