5 things I have learnt during the pandemic

The unprecedented times we faced in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic have taught each of us something or the other. For me this has been a huge learning experience, that I thought I will share.

Nothing is "permanent" and a day can change your life

I have always believed in the quote "Change is the only constant". Unless we are truly evolving with each passing moment, we are not learning anything for ourselves and for the people around us. These unprecedented times have also taught me not to take anything or anyone for granted. Also to be more conscious about the environment around me, the food I am taking in, and the people or relationships I am surrounded with. The abuse of either of these will have a detrimental impact to my well-being.

Revived belief in old Hindu philosophy

In my adult life, it has been on my to-do list to read one of the oldest Hindu philosophy, the "Bhagavad Gita". What perfect time than when one is stuck at home, during a pandemic! So I started listening to "The Bhagavad Gita" by Eknath Easwar on Audible. The process of reading one of the most powerful Hindu scriptures, has been a very enriching experience for me. Whether understanding the types of human behavior(s) or the life principles' one should be inculcating or the enemies of one's spiritual journey. Listening through this famous Hindu text, has generated a much needed sense of positive energy in me and something that will take me through life in a more disciplined way than what I have been doing.

Minimalist Living

In today's world of abundance, there are many varieties for any product we go to buy in the shopping centers. During the pandemic like many other people, I started clearing the things in my garage, wardrobe and in the house. After a few weekends, I realized that I have an abundance of items, which I either do not need or else have not used for more than 6 months and potentially will not use anymore. Do I really need so many things in my house and in my life? May be not, and the ones I do not need, can either be recycled or donated to people who are more needy. Decluttering my surroundings, has enabled me to think better and perform at my optimal both at work and home.

Make the most of "this" moment

I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed, to be surrounded by family and friends, who care for me and whom I am in regular touch. This pandemic has been extremely hard on people who are living alone, suffering from mental and physical illness or have been impacted by it's economic repercussions. The one thing that I would like to do in the post pandemic era, is to make the most of "this" moment. And when I say "this", I mean this very moment, not the one which has just gone by while you have been reading this post, but "this" moment. I intend to make the most of my present situation and circumstance.

Finally, you are the main reason for your happiness or sadness, no one else

When things go wrong, it's easiest to point fingers on others, external factors or situation. Like one's career growth is in one's own hand, so is their state of happiness and satisfaction with life. These are testing times across the world, and have truly brought countries, companies and people to the edge. One's own sub-conscious and their positive attitude towards life, are one of the few reasons that will help traverse through these topsy-turvy times.