Silver Linings

A LOT has changed in the past month (duh). Firstly, there is a global pandemic that has indefinitely shut down nearly every aspect of global society - including Bucknell. Yep. This last seven weeks of senior year were abruptly taken from the Class of 2020, and although I was initially heartbroken, the past few weeks I have been overcome with nothing but gratitude. The month of March, despite going through an unparalleled amount of change, has made me significantly more in tune with myself and my surroundings. March 1st. I was coming off of a month of mental obstacles and self-isolation, but I sensed a change within myself. I journaled. I relished in the idea of spreading kindness and found myself openly confessing my love and appreciation the people in my life. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Upon opening my curtains, I sensed the beauty of the day. Little did I know this particular day would consist of a Bernie campaign campfire and chasing the enviable Bucknell sunset. This would be my last, most poignant Bucknell memory. Most importantly, that day represented an internal shift. I cherished the following days before departing for Spring Break. Rose-colored glasses to say the very least. Did the sun always shine on the quad that way? Did the red brick Bertrand always look this vibrant?

As I write this blog post, the COVID-19 pandemic is in full-effect. In light of this reality, I feel compelled to draw the connection between Māori notions of well-being (a subject area I studied during my time in NZ) to the current global health crisis. Currently, the world is wrestling with issues of life and death, wellness and illness, and isolation and connection. Without the comfort of a vaccine, the economic depression and dramatically slower pace of life only seem to exacerbate the weight of these inner conflicts.In such a challenging time of forced isolation, uncertainty, and fear, I have noticed elements of light streaming through the sometimes paralyzing darkness. I have noticed an increased desire to reach out to loved ones during this time. I see more people walking out in nature. The skies and oceans are clearing. Just as Māori peoples view human connectedness as the core of well-being, I have found that relishing in the simple pleasures of a ten-minute phone call or family card game around the dinner table generates an unparalleled force of positive energy that typically gets lost in the high pace of “ordinary life.” There is a sense of calm in the air amidst the panic - the world is forced to slow down and reevaluate what it means to be “well.” This, in my opinion, is the ultimate silver lining. .