From COVID-19 to PROVID-20

We are in the midst of an unprecedented emergency in recent generations:  the global pandemic, COVID-19, and its effects on our health and social systems.  There are valid reasons for fear, panic buying, and social distancing.  That is, we are being asked to slow down the spread of this virus and take care of ourselves and those around us!  I want to believe that each of us is trying to do this the best way we know how.

But, I wonder, how do we transform what we are learning about ourselves as we initially react to COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019)?

What do we fear most: what is internal or external? 
Photo credit:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

As schools close and families retreat into their homes... as colleges and universities move toward online classes... as churches, synagogues and mosques suspend services... as entertainment venues go dark for a few weeks... how will we define what (and who) is important to us?

I wonder if these structures have provided an incomplete sense of self-definition and meaning.  During this time of distancing and exclusion, let's take some time to reflect:  "Who am I?" and "Who are We?"   These two questions could begin an interesting dialogue!

My hope is that COVID-19 will mutate into a healthier Way of Being: that is, the transformation of COVID-19 into PROVID-20... PRomoting VIsion through Dialogue 2020.  The dis-ease that has been eating away at our society in recent years -- fostering mistrust and misunderstanding -- could be replaced by dia-logos, the conversation within and among others.

Is this the time to share what is important to you?

  
Becoming aware of our fears and insecurities provides openings to share our thoughts and feelings with others. Noticing that we sometimes need to hoard material and emotional elements of our lives affords a way to examine our underlying needs.  Surfacing the times we distance ourselves from others begs the question of "Why?"

Can we convert our destructive arms
into healing embraces?

You may have other thoughts on how COVID-19 can be transformed, and PROVID-20 may not be the right acronym for you.

Are you willing to share your thoughts with others on how to survive a deeper global pandemic of indifference, misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility. What do you think?

I am interested in hearing your thoughts!

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)

 A friend shared this "Prayer for a Pandemic"
(by Fr. Larry Tensi, Archdiocese of Cincinnati)
~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~