A meditation for hope

The world is in crisis and we are all experiencing some level of trauma. Whether or not we are facing the direct consequences of severe illness and death, or the loss of our livelihood, each one of us has just stepped into unfamiliar territory. The entire human race is struggling with the uncertainty of this mega tsunami of a catastrophe that is spreading across the globe taking lives and destroying communities. While we do what we can by following ‘shelter in place’ rules, practicing social distancing, washing our hands often, many still feel the empty pit of despair devouring the light of our human spirit like a hungry black hole.

The following meditation won’t save the world, but it will keep the flame of hope burning within. In the fight against our current pandemic, it is important for us to become warriors. However, regard yourself as Gandhi did, as a soldier of peace. Use your practice to gain strength and perseverance in this difficult time. Tolstoy said, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

If we are to use this time as a tool, we can overcome the struggles we are facing. But, we must respect time, and the way to do so is with patience. Whether you are on the front lines of this battle, or on your couch battling your fears, practice patience and trust that in time, we will find ourselves living in healthy and sustainable social, environmental, and economic balance. Perhaps it will be better than what we once had.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet, said Aristotle. And, no one said this would be easy.