Don a Mask, Unmask the Kindness within

While some of us may have accepted changes to our routine post Covid as a new normal, there are many people who are finding getting out of bed challenging everyday. Now don't be judgemental. More than being overwhelming, the new circumstances at the moment are mostly devoid of human interactions and motivations.

We all don a mask everyday when we step out for mundane yet necessary chores or for a breather walk. While we all want peace of mind but tresspassing somebody's mental state seems normal these days. We are quick to spot a maskless person out of our window in a jiffy and don't refrain from taking pictures. We are seeking out people in big bunch just to point fingers at them and blaming them of not maintaining the social distance.

We have been on the world news and have come across many instances where people have been condoned for not being socially responsible. But haven't we forgotten that Animal is a social animal. We ought to mingle and share joys and sorrows. Suddenly we were thrown in a sea of challenges, some of us skilled to adapt to changes fast whilst some who don't know what to do all alone.

The times are challenging but more challenging are the perspectives and lens with which we meet an eye. We are all feeling lonely and burdened with our own anguish. We all are fighting our own battles everyday. All we could do is show some kindness to each and all. Spare a moment to put yourself in others' shoes and create a gracious community.

Kindness is not about what you do or say, but about who you are. It reflects your values and beliefs and the bigger purpose in life. It brings happiness at both ends. Just a few simple acts could be a beginning but the journey is long and never ending. It is a desire in the heart to reach the other heart with love and compassion, trust and care and working in unity for better. Greeting each other with a smile beaming through eyes alone in a masked face, air hugs, checking on each others' welfare, sharing meals and other resources, touching base with friends and relatives and just listening to their stories are some ways to spread kindness. But more than this, being there for each other is far more significant. And letting people know that you are there for them goes beyond. As we dwell deeper into emotional turbulence in coming times, having a positive mindset and thoughtfulness for others can prove miraculous. Show your true mankind and make graciousness a part of life.

A regular dose of kindness can uplift us and the others.

A sheer coincidence, a blessing in disguise, All Praise for Singapore

Coronavirus!

The last three months have devastated our thoughts, our daily routines, and jeopardised travel plans for most of us. But this name which started as Wuhan, then Corona and eventually Covid-19 is well known amongst old and young indeed.

Our basic practise of washing hands has been revisited by many of us and disinfecting the house on a daily basis has gone berserk. Coming home now requires some serious attention to maintaining this practice not just for self and children but even educating the House help. For someone like myself with an OCD has extra checks to maintain for cleanliness especially with a high energy exploring toddler at home.

I remember my mother mocking at me to overreacting to the invasion of virus in our lives. While the scientists are still scrambling their heads to understand the complexity of the virus, my mother had advised me to build up immunity with an age old Indian tradition of drinking Turmeric Milk and eating Sacred Basil and chanting and meditation as the saviour from all calamity. I wonder if that was the case why all such pious place of religious congregation were the first ones to spread transmission so quickly and shut down during this crisis.

Despite the chaos in the world, dooming world economies, panicking people hoarding the basic necessities and wasting them later, most of the people working from home, one good thing about it has been being more visible to the family. It has been a challenge though to see spouses working from home who feel no less than a quarantine in a study or wives outside in the living room quietly doing the chores with minimal interaction during the day, yet it is good to meet over lunch or a cup of coffee with your spouse so often.

When we often complain of having no or less time in hand and lives to be so busy, this our chance to think out of the box and rejuvenate with fresh ideas. It could be starting an online business, virtual meetings or even parties, or just being creative with painting, craft or art. Baking or Cooking might be your therapy or just chilling with Netflix on a loop. Spending more time with kids and family, watching some National Geography and gathering some facts on Nature, Wildlife and History could be a great idea for keeping your kids busy.

I feel fortunate to be in Singapore as a resident at this point in my life. When the Covid-19 first gathered attention outside China, it was for Singapore. When most of the world was amused with high transmission rates in such a tiny country, little did they realise that this country has no room for suspicion. Comparatively more tests were conducted across the island and the people were communicated about the cases' history and progress via a transparent channel. No social stigma, best healthcare facilities and no name shaming were crucial in winning over people's trust and ascertain of suspected cases. Amid such rising cases the peace still prevailed as the Prime Minister addressed the nation in calm composure assuring of services and resources availabilty. In the time of crisis, that is what keeps us in a single piece giving us strength and confidence that together we can overcome even the biggest obstacles. Most of the people are wondering as to why the schools aren't shutting down, the government has plausible response to this too. Research has found that most young kids have shown no or mild infection and most of them have contracted it at home from adults, thus making schools a safer haven for them.

Undoubtedly as the crisis is at peak and there is a considerable spike in the cases in Singapore and worldwide, the actions by the government will change drastically over a next few weeks and months. But in a country like ours, I feel we are in safe hands and Singapore will emerge successfully out of this eventually.