The Chaos Theory purports that the flap of a butterfly’s wings in the Amazon can cause a tornado in Texas. This famous statement by meteorologist and mathematician Edward Lorenz (1917 – 2008) was a metaphor to convey how varying initial conditions, however tiny they may seem, can catalyze consequential effects that lead to insurmountable chaos. We are now experiencing that “tornado” globally in the form of the Coronavirus pandemic.
To investigate the source of the “flap” is near impossible, as one action never exists independent of other events that lead to that moment. To explore factors that can help prevent this from happening again could be helpful, but to scrutinize for the sake of having someone to blame is perilous. Because that too becomes a “flapping” that can lead to more chaotic outcomes.
We can no longer deny that what affects one living being—human, animal or nature— affects us all. We are not just in this together, we are connected together. And this is a concept espoused by spiritual teachers for thousands of years and supported by numerous Quantum physicists and Neuro-scientists (for instance, check out astrophysicist and inventor, Tom Chi’s talk on how everything is connected).
The way we want to strengthen our immune system individually for our health is what we need to adopt—as a People—to heal collectively. When we are ill, we need to rest and receive care to recover. It is care, compassion and patience toward each other that will also help us recover as one whole being. Imagine every person playing a role like each cell in a body. To work harmoniously together supports optimum health. But if even one cell goes off course, it can lower our immune system and allow illness, a virus, disease or even cancer.
Animals instinctively unite in numbers for safety. It’s time to learn this wisdom in deeper ways. We can maintain social distancing externally while supporting our emotional connections and spiritually deepening internally.
There’s no denying that COVID-19 has impacted our lives. But as with anything, we have a choice as to how we will respond to it. I often encourage my clients to acknowledge their illness not as a foe, but as a messenger or even a loved one who is attempting to communicate something imperative for our wellbeing or survival. The clue lies in what the illness forces us to do.
This pandemic has reinforced how intricately we are connected to each other and all life forms. It has uncovered how much we took for granted in the modern world: good health, accessibility to an endless supply of food, clean water, fresh air, freedom, various services to satisfy our every need and fulfill our desires, people, hugs and life itself. We can feel frustrated, stressed, anxious and fearful about needing to temporarily adjust our lifestyle. Or we can feel grateful about our fortunate lives. The latter will be more beneficial to our mental health and immune system.
We have also been coerced into retreating, which is an essential part of recovery. We can let the safety of our home be the cocoon that supports and shelters our transformation. Although it is a challenging time, we can make the most of it, as best as possible. Make the time for rest and contemplation when you can. Hopefully, when we come out of this, we will be more conscious of how we want to “flap our wings,” knowing how powerful our actions can be. And perhaps, this time, it will reverberate echoes of deep compassion and sweet love.
