In this article, the writer, Juu, examines the varied responses that CODVID-19 victims show as they pass through the mega ordeal. Instead of spawning negativism as one of many annoyances that harass our peaceful minds, the writer stresses the importance of reflecting on the positive side of this dreadful situation. Each time a series of mishaps disturb one’s mind, he or she should try to take control of his or her fear and anger that often emerges. A balanced mind can offer some control, and it could be a way of self-training against the inclination towards pessimism.
Reflecting on the observation by the renowned Hollywood film director David Lynch that people become more empathetic in the aftermath of devastation, Juu remarked that if she were one of the surviers of the COVID-19 tributliaont faced by mankind (or humanity is gender neurtral), the she would become a “spiritually better person”.
During the stay-at-home time of the pandemic period, the writer said that she will allot more time for reading books she has been wanting to read. Referring to the famous French author Albert Camus’ The Plague and films with similar themes, Juu said that such ravaging diseases like the COVID-19 would not simply disappear for good but remain latent and return every now and then. The writer expressed concern and issued a word of warning that people need to be alert and ready for the imperceptible uncertainty of the virus.
As isolation time needs to extend confinement, people could become fretful and sometime lose control over themselves. This is one situation that could happen and people must be able to cope with it, thoughtfully, Sayama Juu points out. And she gives good advice for people to take refuge in art, music, poetry and literature to brush away undesirable tendencies.
As we have to stay home and are not able to meet friends and family, greeting and talking from a social-distancing away, people could now know better the warmer, closer time with loved ones and come to appreciate the nearness-of-you situation more. It should be the best time to respond with optimistic sense and, in short, positive way of thinking, Juu went on. She stressed to fill the vacant time with time for reading and become thoughtful and considerate, gaining higher emotional intelligence (EQ).
The COVID-19 time is a “Time of Learning to Love More,” she optimized over the distressed situation of Myanmar and the world as it is in dire straits.