COVID-19 AND THE HOLIDAYS.
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times ...”
Famous lines from “A Tale of Two Cities,” but, Many can replace Two, so all-encompassing is this shroud of contagion that encases the globe.
Historically, this time of year professes an aura of joy, peace on earth, celebration and familial reconnections.
These factors are embellished by instruments that decimate the darkness usually associated with diminished sunshine at this time of year. So, there are candles on the Christmas tree, many shiny ornaments, the candles of the Menorah for Hanukkah and candles for Kwanzaa.
This Holiday occasion presents a two-edged sword, however.
On the one hand, a circumstance arises for cementing family ties and reinforcing the history of the tribe with anticipated joy and laughter. On the other hand, the milieu for matters going awry rears its ugly presence.
In many circumstances, it would appear, grown adults, especially those who travel from out of town, seem to abandon their maturity as quickly as they remove their overcoats, wherever the family congregates.
Without much provocation, a psychological transformation seems to occur. Like a well-rehearsed play, the actors assume their roles and attend their places. Time travel is instantaneous. Family hierarchy is reconvened, and associated pathological dynamics are engaged, as if time stood still.
Parents reassert their historical dominance. Adult offspring are relegated to childlike ineffectiveness, while internecine incompatibilities run wild.
The preceding is not always the case, but it would appear that this Holiday season, has this harmful psychological component as one of its accompanying presents.
Despite the concomitant human suffering and loss of life, this pandemic presents a rare opportunity for significant change.
The world is truly in a “weiji” cocoon. Which means, one of crisis, dangerous moments, where things start to go awry, as paraphrased by Victor H. Mair, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania.
There is a challenge to be confronted this Holiday. There is restrictive behaviour regarding the size of social gatherings. With the preemptive need for quarantining or social-distancing, it is logical to conclude, that the dynamics of a once paint by numbers event must change.
A disruption in human interactions precipitates the possibility of a new birth. By evolving a new sociological construct, individuals confront the opportunity to discard the old ways. Hopefully, they can access more meaningful and authentic tools for establishing and maintaining heart-centred relationships.
Now that the status quo is a historical relic, will human beings opt for a more healthy alternative ?
Will we choose to live beneath the banner of partnership and egalitarianism or warrior under the flag of domination, damnation and defeat ?
Many say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I believe that we are on the threshold of a mighty new beginning or a one-way ticket to hell.
Humanity is summoned to review and discard “what insults our souls.” We are asked to vote for our healing and survival. We are asked to act as custodians, for those who were seven generations before, and seven generations yet to come.
Given that the future is the present, with the past as its foundation, this Holiday season offers a glorious opportunity for us all to set a new trajectory.
The question is, will the fear which COVID-19 generates, distract us from creating in a new way, the magic, joy, connection and celebration, usually associated with these holidays ?
It is my sincere hope and prayer that we will not succumb to fear.
Instead, we can seize this opportunity for change.
WILL YOU JOIN ME, IF IT IS ALSO YOURS ?
Happy Holidays everyone.
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MENDOULA CHRONICLES
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