I've been coming across a lot of spiritual messages -- from Tumblr posts and Insta videos, to Medium articles and newsletters -- about how the coronavirus is a mixed blessing, or that this is a moment of "sacred pause" where we all are forced to slow down and learn compassion and unity.
All of those are possibilities. Any time you are forced into inactivity is a wonderful opportunity to go within yourself. Of course, seeing this pandemic as a "blessing in disguise" or a "sacred pause" is still another story, a story that seeks to find greater meaning in chaos, that strives for answers in the face of uncertainty. In other words, as much as I might believe these stories to be true, recognize that they serve as an important inoculation against the unknown. They are a spiritual shield to block your fear.
Allow yourself to feel your discomfort. All of it. The uncertainty, the fear, the angst ... the possibility of death even. Heavy stuff. Sit in that sh$t. Be with that discomfort, at least for a moment, before rushing to tell yourself that this is all a part of some greater wisdom of the universe (it is, of course). Allow yourself to just feel what it feels like to face fear, chaos, and uncertainty. Then you'll know that you've actually paused for real. So wash your hands, practice social distancing and please be kind to your fellow humans.
-P. Gerlanger