This Too Shall Pass
As I sit here today, Sunday, March 29, 2020, a day many recognize as a day of worship, I contemplate my own search for answers in mindful prayer and meditation, especially for a time such as this. As I follow the trail of inspiration, I’m led to a song I heard years ago that moved me to my soul. I share it with you now to depict the many humanitarians responding to a call to action to support the citizens of a war torn country during the Bosnian/Croatian war, including other countries affected by the conflict at the time. (Best to listen with ear buds.)
This clip was filmed in Italy and as I contemplate the ravages of the Corona virus we are facing, I’m inspired to pray for Italy and all the citizens of this globe that are affected by this Covid-19, regardless of what side of the virus they are on (there are many).
Continuing on my inspired journey, I learn that Pavarotti insisted that Bono write a song that they could perform together and bring some relief to the country. Brian Eno of The Edge would also join them as a collaborative effort to encourage those displaced and devastated by the war.
Later, Bill Carter, who had already spent some time in Bosnia, would approach Bono regarding a documentary he was working on and the two men would collaborate and ultimately reveal to the world what was happening in Sarajevo. Through the film below, Bill explains the challenges he faced getting U2, Brian Eno and Pavarotti’s performance locally but found another solution where they would perform from Bologna, Italy and broadcast via satellite.
I’m amazed at what can happen when two or more are gathered in a collective response to find a solution. How contagious it is when others are invited to collaborate with us and master mind alternatives or solve a problem.
Einstein once said…
“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
In light of our of current social distancing extension to April 30th and the many countries initiating lock-downs, I wonder what questions we can ask of ourselves and of each other to bring about solutions to seeming problems that have presented themselves in the “new normal” we are adjusting to. As we spend more time at home alone, with each other, working, maybe schooling, and simply finding our way in tight quarters 24/7 as we relearn how to cooperate together, what are some things you are considering?
How can we collaborate as a collective to support each other?
What digital methods of communication can we use to reach out to one another and encourage each other in these chaotic times?
Is it perhaps a time of returning to note and letter writing or a time of creating art with our families as a form of expression?
Or, maybe vision boards of the infinite possibilities and opportunities our future holds?
Despite our isolation due to social distancing, we are not alone and should you find yourself feeling that way, please reach out to someone. There is just as much joy in giving as there is in receiving. This too shall pass however how we relate to one another doesn’t have to. We can do what we’ve never done to get the results we never had. This is a time of transformation and we decide how much we are going to enjoy the journey of life while becoming the change we want to see in this world. Be blessed & Stay safe!