Pandemic Thoughts – by Robyn Lebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy

A Light in the Darkness – by Robyn Lebron

Fear of the unknown is very common; something we’ve all experience, I’m sure. I remember when my daughter was leaving a 200-student middle school, and going to a 2,500-student high school. She was terrified that she would be “lost all the time” until I reminded her that her favorite mall was twice that size, and she was never lost there!

The “little child” in us rears it’s head when situations arise that we feel unprepared for. But as we pass through the eye of the storm, something miraculous happens! When human beings are faced with difficult situations, they rise to extraordinary heights! The spirit inside us blossoms and we become the beings we are meant to be. The sight of another person or community in need erases all those childlike fears, and we expose our “superman” uniforms!

You all the know the stories….the hundreds of Search and Rescue Dogs and their Handlers rushed to the aid of those trapped on 9-11. Thousands of people went by bus to help with cleanup and truck after truck filled with goods arrived after Hurricane Katrina. Stories of teenage boys rescuing an elderly neighbor who house is on fire. We all remember those stories and more.

Tragedy brings out the best in people, once we let go of the little child holding us back. Focus outside yourself. Let your inner child be calmed by the knowledge that you can be a light in the darkness for someone else. We are all living through the same experience. Our choice must be to rise to this opportunity to become who we are meant to be! Let your inner light shed the darkness for others. Only then will you not be fearful…you will be empowered!

Wisdom and Comfort  – by Sridhar Rangaswamy

There is a saying where there is a will, there is a way – this is the time to make things happen at home in a formidable, cordial way – become more closer, loving, caring for each other, supportive of each other, watching and learning together – these are aspects of helping and creating  much-needed perspectives. 

The spread of coronavirus into a pandemic has made people very fearful, frightened, and scared. But in these times of uncertainty, we can take comfort and solace in one another. This should be a time for family bonding. Most schools and many workplaces are closed. Parents can connect with the kids and grand parents can pitch in and help when the parents are away at work. Consider this a reunion of the family. Parents should set a timetable for the kids so that they can keep a track of their studies, play games, and better connect with one another.

It’s also important to take care of one’s mental and physical health by connecting on a spiritual level. Practice yoga and indulge in some physical exercises, eat a healthy diet and follow other natural remedies to keep calm and composed during the crisis.

In these trying times, it is of utmost importance to use our intellect and wisdom and to distinguish between the fake stories and the real ones. We must seek comfort in the fact that this taxing and stressful time will pass. Trust the intrepid human spirit to ride out this crisis.

Ten qualities to acquire during this period are …

  1. Be compassionate.
  2. Be humble.
  3. Be proactive.
  4. Be consistent.
  5. Be persistent.
  6. Be strong.
  7. Show your true genuine love, treat as if family, like brothers or sisters. More you love the world; more you get back.
  8. Create a list of the major areas we need to look into: start with the family, then with street, then the country, and then the nation
  9. Be a problem solver and solutions finder getting to root causes.
  10.  Be a nation of Harmony. One Nation Under God, One goal, One team, One fight.
RobynLebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy
Latest posts by RobynLebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy (see all)

5 thoughts on “Pandemic Thoughts – by Robyn Lebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy”

  1. Thanks to Robyn and Sri for this guidance. Of the “ten qualities to aquire during this period,” the ones I found are most auspicious are below:

    Show your true genuine love, treat as if family, like brothers or sisters. More you love the world; more you get back.
    (More blessings come to those who bless)

    Create a list of the major areas we need to look into: start with the family, then with street, then the country, and then the nation
    (Heal locally then nationally)

    Be a problem solver and solutions finder getting to root causes.
    (Find the etiology of the problem, call it out for what it is, be truthful and proactive in solving).

    During these precarious times—my cell is ringing and texts flood in with the rythmic cadence of morse code. Observing the renewed light, hope and peace happening all around in small pockets. From little chalk drawings, compassion, families playing together and friends connecting thus contributing to the undulating peace being born to heal our micro/macrocosm. Blessings and peace to Robyn Lebron and Sri Rangaswamy as we all collectively relearn how to “BE.”

  2. This is a very interesting and important article by Sri in these tough times. It is very well put as to how we can find solace and comfort in each other during this pandemic. It is essential that we spend more time with family members whom we take for granted. Its seems God has a plan for us and it is evident how we are practicing social distancing in our relationships and spending more time outside, so its time that we learn to live and love with our near and dear ones and be one as a family and be at home and help the Government fight this pandemic. Thanks Sri for the well written and aptly thought article.

  3. To Robyn:
    I love how you speak of these great tragedies and the “superheros” that step up to save the day. In these times, however, there are no bombs falling, no buildings collapsing, no hurricanes tearing through the countryside, no (new) fires burning down entire neighborhoods, no earthquakes or floods…No, this time, it’s a silent, slow tragedy, and the “superheros” of today are more subtle. The obvious would be, of course, the doctors and scientists testing and treating patients with the virus, but I’m not talking about them. The “superheros” I’m referring to are the police, fire and rescue, EMS’s, food service workers, supply chains, delivery drivers, gas station attendants, veterinarians, teachers, tech support for all the new work at home employees, and the countless other people that work in “essential” jobs. They either sacrifice their health, their time, or both – that’s what makes them the “superheros” of these times.

    To Sri:
    People are so used to the hustle and bustle of busy life that they don’t know what to do with themselves now that they are unable to work. To many people are still going out –there is still so much restlessness. A lot of people have the mentality that this is some sort of vacation, but I think the reality of it all hasn’t quite set in yet. There is also a lot of uncertainty surrounding everything, but after a time, I believe people will start to settle down and stay home. I, myself, have been grateful for the time I have with my kids. I have my college student home with me, and even my otherwise socially distant 16 yr old has been more inclined to spend time with the family (and I believe it’s because he is unable to socialize at school). I have also noticed a lot of other families around me spending a lot of time with their kids outside, which really warms my heart. I am glad they are getting to take advantage of this time.

    1. “Thanks Michelle as always… Well Written in detail. Appreciated for sharing – it means a lot. Thanks to you, Thanks to God and good to know you as always…..Long back we met in CyberSecurity group.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *