If there's one profound lesson that this Pandemic has taught us, it is the invaluable art of embracing stillness and being fully present in the moment. This realization can inspire us to live more intentionally and appreciate the beauty of each passing moment.
Life teaches us about what is essential versus what is luxury or leisure.
Life teaches us to embrace individual uniqueness and societal differences.
Life's journey often leads us to moments of solitude, where we may feel lost and disconnected. However, these periods of isolation are not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and emerge stronger. They teach us resilience and the power of self-discovery.
What would happen if you got stuck on an Island. How would you imagine living?
There are no convenience stores, cellular phone signals, or internet.
You only have basic survival needs and equipment; tents, hammocks, cooking utensils, and just enough food good for two days.
I dared! In 2015, I trekked a muddy road less traveled to the Island Province of Guimaras in the Philippines. It was a journey of self-discovery, a chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience life in a new way.
In just two days, I enjoyed the serenity of the place away from the people. The water was clear, and I jumped off a cliff. That was a safe jump rather than a risky dive I never dared. And I survived!
Now, I'm living in the present. I am thinking about the time in our lives when we go on an adventure of a lifetime. There's no attachment to things and people. And the absence of one of the most essential things today -- getting online and social media.
Today, during this Pandemic and social isolation, our connection to the online world is our most important survival tool. We go online for news updates, which sometimes can be toxic and cause sadness, loneliness, and grief. If there were no internet and social media, how would we live everyday life?
Our survival tool in the new best normal is connecting to the online world. For most of us, being offline is not alive since, nowadays, everybody seems to go digital, going online to communicate with coworkers, families, friends, and special loved ones.
I learned to be detached and offline, even for a short while, to go on a social media detox. Honestly, I have lived in that present moment, living in stillness. That adventure taught me a lesson about basic survival skills and survival when the most essential thing is out of reach, even for a while.
The current Pandemic has underscored the importance of preparedness. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to equip ourselves for the future. The next crisis may be just around the corner, and our readiness will be the key to survival.
Being stuck in an Island Paradise is just one learning experience that I have benefited from in the present and the next crisis. It taught me the value of adaptability, the importance of basic survival skills, and the beauty of simplicity. It also showed me that the most challenging situations can sometimes lead to the most profound personal growth.
And today, we can always learn not to just survive. But, just be alive.
© 2020 Del Cusay