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Coronavirus Reminds Us Of Our Shared Vulnerability & Need For Others

Life always contains an element of uncertainty but for many people the last few weeks will have aroused a strong feeling of life's ambiguity. 

 Our knowledge of Coronavirus - as learned through the media, government and medical service providers - understandably leads us to feel anxious; this is uncharted territory. As adults, we are not used to such levels of unpredictably and the varied responses of different countries to the virus may lead us to believe that no one really knows what they are doing. Even worse, we may think that other governments are responding appropriately whilst our own is lagging behind.  

 I do not know how the next couple of months will play out; there are people much smarter then me - predominantly health experts - who are working round the clock to find the best way of getting us through the coming months. As we are learning, there are many factors that need to be carefully considered and balanced in order to increase the effectiveness of a coordinated response.

 Though this is indeed a unique moment, I believe much of the anxiety does not stem directly from the fear of becoming physically unwell. Rather, it is the realisation of just how interconnected our lives are with every person that lives on this planet. This is a moment where we have a heightened awareness of how inextricably linked we are with our neighbours, country and the world. 

 Part of the response to the virus may well see us having to limit our interactions with others. Whilst the notion of self-isolation and the limiting of public gatherings may offer a measure of physical protection, they also remind us just how much we crave and need human interaction. The spread of the virus, and our shared vulnerability to it, remind us; 1) that we are not alone 2) that we do not want to be alone.

 The coming months, tinged with sadness, are sure to bring further disruption to our lives. However, we will get through this! This is because it is moments such as these that prompt us to reach out and support one another. We must ensure that our anxiety levels do not surpass the level of danger posed by the virus. When our regular routines and support networks become closed to us we must open our phones and homes to friends, families and (even) strangers, in order to look after one another. 

 Whilst we may feel the urge to withdraw from others, I believe it will be our coming together that gets us through this moment.


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