Remember the CTCW theme of Change? We could tell that we needed many things to change, and I think we are getting our wish. The world is going through a lot of changes right now, and we can hope that eventually, the changes will be for the better.
One of the mechanisms of major change is the Covid-19 virus. It is teaching us many lessons, not all of which are comfortable or easy. One important lesson the pandemic has taught us is that even when change is inevitable, it can be made less catastrophic if we can slow things down to a more manageable level, whether it’s cases that don’t exceed the number of respirators or PPEs available, or whether it’s how many projects we can take on at the same time. In many ways during major changes that we can’t stop, “flattening the curve” is the best we can do.

This year we are manifesting the lessons of stillness. Sometimes this means finding a small time for ourselves, to rest, recharge, have some nutrients. Sometimes we will be holding space for others. Finding those moments of quiet in the midst of chaos allows the flow not to push too fast. We are less likely to trip and fall if we are walking not running.

As we “shelter in place” we are learning the blessings of interacting with one another that we too often took for granted. As we begin to come among each other again, we learn to do so in ways that do not pose risks to each other, and to appreciate small things like a smile, or a touch. As we share our wisdom and appreciation with each other we can hope that in a year or two our culture will have come through this shared crisis with more empathy, wisdom, and kindness.