“Applicants for wisdom do what I have done: inquire within.” – Heraclitus
– Some think that the best thing they can do to combat the coronavirus is to sit back and wait:
“In theory, never leaving home during the coronavirus pandemic is the most effective means of prevention. It reduces your chance of infection and quickly contains the disease’s spread. A recent study in Science found, for example, that this kind of distancing is even better than widespread travel bans or restrictions.
In addition to the basics-don’t touch your face, and wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds-the bottom line: don’t stress too much. It’s equally important to “keep some sense of sanity,” says Moses Turkle Bility, an assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh: “Your mental health and well-being affect your immune system.” Do what you can and develop habits you can stick to, but don’t panic if you can’t do everything.” – MIT Technology Review
– And they are right.
– Right. I – however – think otherwise.
– Wait! What?
– You heard me. I think they need to operationally define what is meant by “some sense of sanity.”
– Do what?
– An operational definition of sanity could be how many acts of kindness we do during this crisis. Acts through which they, you and I – many of us – contribute to a collective peace of mind. Acts of courage that would say to this pandemic: “Not today.”
– Are you my superego?
– Maybe your alter ego.
– Sure. I saw that movie.
– No, you haven’t. What’s happening is new for many of us. But – don’t despair – there are many ways to act. There are a multitude of ways to help. There are countless opportunities to become a volunteer. An essential worker, no doubt.
– OK. I hear you. But volunteering how? During these uncertain times, how can I help?
– You could offer many of the skills you have, like your computer knowledge, bilingual fluency, writing abilities, basic know hows…
– You are right.
– And guess what?
– What?
– There’s always some kind of reward. Can you guess why?
– I can. The experience by itself – if nothing else – would be invaluable.
“Do you know you can help change the world through volunteering online, from your phone or computer? Volunteering allows organizations and volunteers to team up to address endless challenges, from anywhere in the world. Whatever talent or skill, everyone has something valuable to offer:
- Art and design
- Community organizing
- Outreach and advocacy
- Research
- Teaching and training
- Technology development
- Translation
- Writing and editing
- Your self.”
– Inquire within.
