The real virus is of the mind.

Now, before you attack me, hear me out.

A crisis this widespread can alter society in dramatic ways.  Events beyond our control such as natural disasters, widespread diseases, economical collapses, terrorist attacks, and world wars, quickly, and radically change everything.  The outcome of the current epidemic will be no different.

Many social movement analysts call these “trigger events.”  I refer to this kind of situation as a “snow globe moment”.  More on that later.

Trigger events change politics, economics, and public opinion in previously unimaginable ways.  From the way we travel, to how we make large purchases, to the level of security and surveillance we’re accustomed to, and even to trade practices and global economy, these catastrophes create confusion and unease.  But they also produce tremendous opportunities for those who recognize and seize them.

COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic, is without a doubt the biggest trigger event of our lifetime.  It is a combination of natural disasters, economic collapse, and a new kind of “warfare” so to speak all occurring simultaneously.

The world right now is full of an extraordinary amount of fear and anxiety.  Instead of looking at Coronavirus as something negative (and of COURSE I understand the effects this has on every level), I’m choosing to stay positive regardless of the pessimism and uncertainty flowing worldwide.  It’s what I do.  It’s who I am.

I’m looking at this as a truly fascinating experience.  SO many people are being forced into a massive wake-up call that has the ability to help them to heal their minds, and grow and evolve into better human beings overall. This disease has enabled us to collectively return to a place of gratitude seeing the beauty around us and appreciating all that we have.  Instead of the usual, non-stop “go, go” where we run ourselves ragged in endless activities, we have been forced to slow down.

Nature’s timing is such that renewal is as important as production which is something humanity has long failed to respect in our overall drive for profit and power.  And, here we are.  Sick minds, sick bodies subconsciously starving to be healed, and finally, the world is thrown a curveball spiraling us into an involuntary awakening. The full outcome of this virus is yet to be observed, but just as a shadow behind us, it is eerily present.

It is not the virus so much that is the problem, but more so our reactions and/or lack of reactions thereof showing our shortcomings of not only emotional but psychological intelligence as well.

In every challenge, there is an opportunity.  In the case of COVID-19, we are faced with not only individual obstacles but collective challenges as well.  Hardships and hindrances can be scary, they can turn your life into utter chaos, but ultimately, they can also create substantial strength and growth.

These life transitions are no easy feat, and usually, come when we least expect them.  And I’d like to use this Coronavirus pandemic as a platform to share something I’ve learned to refer to as a “snow globe moment”.

Although many dismiss snow globes as trivial trinkets, they have been entertaining us for well over a century.  You take a clear dome in your hand, shake it vigorously, and magically, delightfully, the miniaturized scene within is enveloped in an exquisite slow-motion snowstorm.

Snow globes are tourism’s number one souvenir.  Everyone relates to them.  And they are a great way to capture your travel memories.  Full of nostalgic sentiments, as well as memories of events that have occurred, and places we have been, a souvenir snow globe helps to remind us of past experiences and adventures.

Now you may be asking where in the world I’m going with all of this.  And I don’t blame you.  Imagine a snow globe that has been forcefully shaken.  “Snow” fills the entire dome swirling and covering everything inside.  Yet, the instant it is set down, the snow begins to settle, and the “air” is cleared.

Basically, the short of it is, the best times of my life thus far have often resulted from situations in which I was forced to make changes outside my comfort zone.  To me, snow globes are a representation that in calmness we find comfort yet when our lives are shaken up a bit, such as in the environment of a snow globe, or in the case of current global events, and COVID-19, we have the chance to adapt and adjust to fit the “new normal” oftentimes emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and self.

There are so many variables in the Coronavirus equation and the seriousness and severity globally are still not entirely known.  One thing is for certain, the extraordinary shock to mankind as a whole is real.  This pandemic will cause immense pain and suffering in every dimension of wellness as we know it.  Lives will be lost, and the world will be forever changed.  Yet it’s imperative to remember that with chaos comes opportunity.  And it’s what we do with that opportunity that determines the fruitfulness of our future.

I’m in no way downplaying the seriousness and severity of this, but rather challenging you as well as encouraging you to invite others to put a positive spin on this epidemic.  Appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, the slower pace, and the extra time for introspection and self-care.⁠

Let this difficult time remind you “things” we once thought were SO important such as appearance, money, achievements, or status mean nothing when you contract a potentially life-threatening disease or virus.

Our snow globes have been shaken up.  Now more than ever, it is important to remind yourself just how short life is and how quickly and easily the most precious things can be taken from us. All conspiracy theories, negativity, adversity, and uncertainty aside, let’s collectively make the choice to wake up.  Inhale deeply and give thanks for all you have, and exhale slowly knowing this too shall pass.

My heart goes out to anybody going through sickness, Coronavirus, or a circumstance entirely unrelated.  For those facing challenges whether it may be mentally, emotionally, or physically, may you choose to sow seeds rather than throw rocks. Let us use this epidemic to bring us all closer together as one. Let’s support each other. We are in this together.