Summary

The website content reflects on the unprecedented challenges of 2020 as an opportunity for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present, reevaluating life's priorities, and living with purpose.

Abstract

The article titled "2020? Bring It On!" discusses the transformative impact of the year 2020, marked by a global pandemic that has reshaped life and human perspective. It argues that despite the suffering and widespread changes, there is a silver lining to be found in the lessons learned about the unpredictability of the future, the value of the present moment, and the need to stop and appreciate life. The author encourages readers to live life more fully by understanding our limited control over the future, cherishing simple pleasures, and focusing on fulfilling one's unique purpose. The pandemic has served as a catalyst for introspection, prompting many to reassess their priorities, embrace gratitude, nurture relationships, and contribute positively to the world.

Opinions

The author believes that 2020 has been a year of significant learning and growth, despite the hardships.
There is a conviction that the future is unpredictable and that humans have limited control over it, which should lead to a greater appreciation of the present.
The pandemic has forced a necessary pause in life, allowing people to reflect on their true priorities and the aspects of life that bring genuine happiness.
The article suggests that individuals should focus on living their purpose and using their talents to better the world, rather than solely pursuing material wealth.
A strong opinion is expressed that the current global situation is an opportunity for positive transformation, both individually and collectively as a society.
The author posits that every individual has a unique purpose and that the events of 2020 are guiding people towards discovering and fulfilling this purpose.
The text conveys a hopeful outlook for the future, suggesting that change towards a better world begins with personal responsibility and action.

2020? Bring It On!

It’s about learning the lessons

What an unimaginable year!

But can we look for the silver lining?

This is a year which will go down in History, for not just bringing about the most widespread pandemic mankind has experienced in an entire century, but also for the sweeping changes it has brought about in all aspects of life. These are changes that are altering the course of humanity and are ushering us once again towards the possibility of a better future on planet Earth.

There couldn’t possibly be a single person, right from the impoverished to the most privileged, who has not been impacted by the pandemic. There has been an impact in all facets of life, and most importantly in our perspective. Just as every dark cloud has a silver lining, 2020 has brought with it a lot of learning along with painful realizations and suffering.

Without doubt, we will emerge stronger and wiser when the storm passes by.

A new, splendid dawn awaits us if we can imbibe the lessons 2020 is serving us with:

1. The Future is Not Guaranteed!

We human beings love being in control. We get consumed in planning out minute details of not just our future, but that of the planet as well. If there is one thing we hate, it is relinquishing authority. But it took an invisible virus which wreaked havoc upon the entire planet, to make us realize that we are as vulnerable as all other beings are!

Confronting one hard truth would give us lasting peace. It is this: We are powerless in front of the mighty Nature and also against the wheels of Time and Destiny.

We are not promised the Future, nor have we been given the powers to look into it. What we have been given though, is the power to direct our energies towards an outcome of our choice. The action is always in our control, but its time we let go of needing to control the result!

This realization leads us to where our authentic power lies: in the Present. The ‘present moment’ is all we have been promised. This wondrous moment, pulsating with life itself, this beautiful ‘Now’ filled with endless possibilities and miracles is always ours!

The pandemic has made us realize our limitations, our finite nature, but at the same time has opened up our eyes to the value of this sparkling ‘present moment’, which we would often underestimate and take for granted. This event has taught us that the future is not predictable, and all we can do is live fully in the ‘Now’.

What a fabulous realization that is!

2. Stop Running, Start Living!

We were each running a race, propelled by our goals and wants. We didn’t realize that in our quest for bettering our tomorrow, we had traded-off much of the present. So it became routine for us to hurriedly pass by the fresh flowers in the garden without stopping to soak up their fragrance, it was alright to not prioritize mindful walks amidst nature because the calendar was full of things to do and it was usual to gulp down the coffee without really savoring the aroma or the taste.

But the pandemic forced us to a grinding halt. It compelled us to cease all activity and slow down the pace of our lives. And reflect. Reflect on our priorities, on the things that we really need to feel happy and fulfilled. A vast majority of people learnt how to derive happiness from the small activities of day-to-day living. They understood the value of simply living life without the pressures of deadlines and of running the never-ending race.

So the pandemic has taught us some life-altering lessons, such as to:

stop running too fast and live a balanced life
value the small pleasures of life
derive joy and meaning from simple activities
appreciate and spend time with nature
be more grateful for being alive
value relationships and nurture them
focus on creating spiritual abundance, not just material wealth

3. Live Your Purpose!

The major takeaways of 2020: we cannot predict our future, we only have power over the present, and we have limited time on the planet; bring us to the final point- ‘our purpose’.

Why are we here after all? Could we possibly be just a whim of the Creator, or have we been given this marvelous body with a finite lifespan to fulfill a unique purpose?

By studying Nature and observing the mysteries of this Universe, we can know for sure that nothing exists in a vacuum; everything has usefulness and a reason for its existence. And the same applies to us!

Gladly, many people are getting in touch with their inner selves and finding their purpose. They are realizing that they do not have forever to fulfill their ‘soul’ purpose, for which they are here. They are putting to use their talents and skills to make the world a better place, without waiting for tomorrow.

What is your purpose? Has the pandemic stirred up something in you that has led you to helping fellow human beings in need, through charity, compassion or other any means?

Are you being guided towards fulfilling your life’s purpose?

A lot is shifting on our planet. While there is obvious suffering presently, we need to have faith and hold on; to our hopes for a better tomorrow, a kinder human race, a restored planet and a promising future for the generations to come.

And we have a key role to play in making this happen!

As the wise ones have said,

Change begins with ‘You!’

Originally published at http://the-wellness-cafe.com on August 14, 2020.