I’ll be frank, this situation is devastating. The number of lives affected is heartbreaking, the affect this has had on the economy will take years to recover and it can all feel a little overwhelming. My bleak outlook was challenged when I listed to Li Edelkoort on Business of Fashion Podcast. Li states that the virus is a gift, she further explains that that COVID-19 is a representation of our conscience and that it is bringing light to what is wrong with our society and teaching us to slow down and change our ways.
This resonated with myself, as someone who has always told myself that always moving quickly, rushing, filling every minute and always being task orientated was the best way to navigate my days. Of course I’m still busy, for example I am currently moving home and renovating mid pandemic but I am slowly learning to slow down, think and actually try to enjoy a slower pace.
The bombardment of news surrounding COVID-19 can be quite overwhelming, and whilst this pandemic is of disastrous proportions I wanted to share a new viewpoint and way to look at this. I hope this helps your perspective and getting through each day at home.
Please note, I would never want to detract from the lives lost and families affected from this pandemic, the growing toll each day breaks my heart.
Whilst the world would have been a better place without COVID-19, the devastation of lives lost and the economy in a state of uncertainty but it could be the best thing to happy for ecology. Edelkoor states that perhaps this virus is the Amazing Grace for the planet because it is making us do the things we know we know we have needed to do for a long time.
Edelkoort has a number of learnings that have stemmed from this global pandemic, she covers these more eloquently in the podcast but for those who are time poor you can have a review below.
- Teaching us to slow down.
The behavior and mentality of people are changing. Slowly we are all accepting this slower paced life. I’m not sure if its just me but the days are going by quite quickly. After this, she believes the behavior and mentality of people will change to do things at a more leisurely pace and completing things well as opposed to being so rushed.
- Teaching us to change our ways.
We are reviewing how much we actually need to consume? Not much at the moment when your living in tracksuits I’m sure. But when we are allowed out and are able to socialise again our consumption habits will change.
- Learning the need for togetherness
After this, we will all value any connections we had pre COVID more than ever. As humans we are all hungry for connection wether it be through Zoom, Emails, Houseparty, Facetime or sharing a vino over the fence with a neighbor. Expect stronger family and friendship units to emerge post COVID.
- Teaching us what is essential and what is not
This doesn’t necessarily translate into what your career is and if it is deemed essential, but what is essential in your life as a whole. What do we all actually need to spend money on? Could you go a day without spending anything during this time? It would be impossible pre COVID but perhaps now you have done this without even realising.
As mentioned the podcast covers everything in more detail so if the above interests you go have a listen here on your daily walk around the block.