The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives, lately again with increasing effect. It is unpleasant, annoying, dangerous, tiring, stressful, tormenting and sobering. It changes not only our daily life, our present, but also our understanding of the world we live in and its future. It sets us back to our illusion of a world in which everything should continue as before.
The world seemed to have a clear direction: More and cheaper travel, more income, more production, more consumption, more gross national product. Time seemed like a train which was steadily running in the same direction and which now has come to an abrupt stop. The COVID-19 crisis has ruined our illusion of the above future. Instead, the future is taking a turn, without us knowing where it is headed. This creates uncertainty and fears and makes us susceptible to conspiracy theories.
But it also gives us the opportunity of looking at the world with fresh eyes and focus on our chances: the ‘wholeness’ of society and the re-thinking and re-shaping of our reality.
Through the COVID crisis it becomes visible how we can really find protection and stability: By appreciating the value of mindfulness, consideration and kindness. Also by reconnecting with nature, with ourselves and our loved ones.
It is no coincidence that so many activities out in nature are so popular right now: many people cycle along the serpentines of Hong Kong Island, many colleagues and parents talk about their hiking trips. Many people in Europe and all over the world are rediscovering life in the country.
Certainly, we miss travelling and the 24/7 option to just hop on a plane to anywhere we like. Certainly, the impact on tourism is causing immense economic damage. Once our fight against the virus is becoming more and more successful, the economy will grow again, perhaps even qualitatively. The business world of the future must and will be much more about sustainability, about an economy that incorporates our current experiences as a learning process. This learning process must also be the subject of school teaching and learning – for the current restrictive and stressful circumstances to count for something.
Have a nice weekend.
Ulrich Weghoff
Principal
Email
