The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

3 4 It could have been worse. During the MCO, many underprivileged households lack access to food, water, shelter and proper medical care. Labourers who survive on a daily wage are barely scraping by after losing their source of income. Students stranded overseas and individuals quarantined away from home are separated from their families. Frontline workers risk infection on duty and patients with Covid-19 are fighting for their lives in ICU wards. Whenever you feel miserable, try to shift your focus to the blessings we have in life, for our circumstances could have been much worse. What can I do now? Many of us may feel powerless in the face of this adversity. We do not have much control over our emotional reactions; it is typical to experience fear, anger and sadness. But we have the power to choose how we act and relate to the misfortune – with wisdom and compassion. It is when adversity strikes that we have to act as calmly as possible. Worrying and blaming will not help. Focusing on what we can do right here, right now, is the best guarantee for a better future. Focus on preparedness, stay grounded and support one another. These positive actions will help us weather the stormy period. This too shall pass. With this pandemic, our world has ground to a halt. We have no idea how many more deaths the world will report. We do not know when the global economy will be restored. Nobody can predict how much longer this virus will continue its threat. But if we try to live mindfully, every moment in every way, we will discover beautiful ways to cope better. Amidst the looming panic, let us remember – this too shall pass. And when it does, we shall be restored, redeemed and renewed. The world will never be the same again, but not necessarily worse if we know how to respond mindfully and wisely. 5 eature 2020 • 05 20