March 29, 2020: Creativity and Hope in Times of Uncertainty.
We’re now weeks into the Covid-19 pandemic which fills our daily news with stories of despair. Our lives have been upturned with schools, stores and work places closed. In response to medical recommendations, many of us are at home to protect ourselves and loved ones from unnecessary exposure to the coronavirus. As a result, we are away from our extended families, friends, and coworkers. Our future plans are on hold, as there is uncertainty as to when life will return back to normal.
It’s a new chapter, one that our world has not seen in modern times, and one which will reflect how we handle adversity. It is also a chapter which will show whether we work together to surmount the difficulties or enter a destructive cycle of blaming, fear mongering, and resorting to a “me first” mentality.
“The future is uncertain… but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity.”
Ilya Prigogine
Reaching into our stores of creativity will help to navigate our discombobulated lives. Our libraries might be temporarily closed for actual visits, but we have at our finger tips, endless resources available on the internet. Whether you are reaching out to friends on social media, looking for information about the pandemic, needing to order products or even looking for recipes for hand sanitizer, we have opportunities to develop our own creative responses for not only surviving but surmounting this difficult time.
“It is not how we live in the light that enlightens us, it is how we live in the dark.”
— Rune Lazuli
Being creative during a time of worry puts a spin on the negativity and turns it into a positive search for options. Optimism fuels positive energy, while feeling alone and pessimistic can stop us from moving forward. The choices we make will not only help us through the weeks ahead, but will restore our sense of hope and confidence
“Each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And it’s in the total of all those acts that the history of this generation will be written.”
Jacqueline Novogratz
What the internet and news sources are showing us, is that along with the frightening statistics about the Coronavirus, people are rising above the tide of despair. From rainbows on doors and videos of people singing to show unity, to the plethora of humorous cartoons and shared concerns, humanity is reaching out. Acts of kindness are celebrated; creative problem-solving ideas are posted, and people are sharing concerns and resources. Admittedly, from their own spaces, but our communities are coming together in a time of adversity.
Quilters I know are creating necessary supplies like face masks, local groups and schools in our communities are reaching out to supply food for families in need. There seems to be a growing sense of “we are in this together”.
“If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.”
— Eckhart Tolle
It is also a time, when the normal fast pace of our lives has been forced to a slow mode. But this time of quietude gives us time to let our creativity evolve, whether it’s problem solving, tackling projects in your home, playing with recipes, planning future gardens, or actually finding time to explore arts and crafts. Any of these activities keep us moving forward, in contrast to being paralyzed by anxiety and fear.
“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”
— Bob Goff
We have not seen our family for over two weeks, but we are in contact daily. My daughter Kate and her husband are teachers and spend hours each school day, now at home, learning to design lessons that their students can interact with online.They sent us videos yesterday of our granddaughters Maya and Zoe presenting a concert in their living room. It involved singing, dancing, and the playing of a recorder and clarinet. Even their dog Gavin had his own music score of woofs.Their lives have been upended, but they are meeting the challenge with creativity, grace and humor. I miss being with them, but am reassured by the knowledge that by staying away, we’re keeping everyone healthy.
This time of challenge and difficulty will pass. As will all times of despair, history has proven that to be true. Rather than seeing this as a disaster that divides us, the Covid19 pandemic can unite us as a community. Having hope and seeking pathways that bring light into our life will illuminate the darkness of uncertainty.
A few more quotes to keep the hope and positivity aloft.
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
Dalai Lama
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
“Faith means living with uncertainty – feeling your way through life, letting your heart guide you like a lantern in the dark.”
-Dan Millman
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our own light.”
— Brené Brown
“The basis of your life is absolute freedom, the goal is joy, and the result of that perfect combination is motion forward, or growth.”
— Abraham-Hicks
How are you creatively coping with the uncertainty in your life? What signs of positivity are you seeing? We’d love to share more comments and ideas on how you are making the best out of this world challenge.
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Jolen AubinMarch 29, 2020
Sending cards to those in the nursing homes to let them know I’m thinking of them.
WendyMarch 29, 2020
This is a wonderful way to share your care and concern, especially for those who are by their sheer circumstances are isolated from most of our community. Thank you Jolen for reading our blog and sharing your ideas!!!