The process of purging — to rid oneself of an unwanted person, object, quality, condition or feeling, often violently and abruptly — can be liberating.
South Africa has been on Covid-19 lock-down since the 18th of March 2020. The announcement of the first 21-day lock-down was made 4 days prior, allowing most folks the chance to prepare. In the coming 3-week shut-down, only essential items could be purchased. All non-essential services were stopped.
As we settled into the new routine of not leaving home for days on end, people first felt excited, as if we were on an extended holiday. Spending time at home gave many people a renewed sense of the value of family. But as we watched, first from a distance and then as the infections started to spread, our hearts sank with fear. Every person became conscious of the horror sweeping across the globe.
During the first 3-weeks of level-5 lock-down, memes and posts appeared about decluttering. Folks dived into their wardrobes and cupboards and got rid of all the items they didn’t need. There was even a craze to tidy kitchen drawers, garages, and tool sheds! Despite the memes and jokes, people started taking decluttering more seriously.
After folks had given their material possessions a shake-out, the search turned to mindful decluttering. The mood had shifted to a more sombre note as we all started to realise the pandemic is here for the long haul. The news of the rising number of infections and deaths is a daily reminder of how devastating the virus can be.
Not being able to be with the people you love — in person — causes great distress for many people. For the elderly, the lonely and the sick, it must be unbearable. The plight of the poor and underprivileged have never been as fragile as it is right now. Children and women are especially vulnerable. The gap between ‘the haves and the have-nots’ is laid bare for all to see.
What we are seeing has shocked many people into action.
People have found compassion and deep empathy for their fellow citizens. A renewed sense of community is being awakened. People are responding with generosity and humility to assist their brothers and sisters.
Like many people I know, I am blessed to be privileged.
We have no control over the family we will be born into or the childhood we will have. Those choices are God’s to decide. The randomness of our circumstances — of being a have or a have-not — is almost callous in how it is doled out.
Privileges are of no use unless they are used to benefit those who have been denied those privileges. No-one will escape the negative affect of this pandemic. And many more will suffer, especially here in South Africa.
We must respond by doing justice to those that deserve it most, show kindness and love to the vulnerable and walk humbly hand in hand into a better future for us all.
I believe by adopting an attitude of ‘Less is More,’ we can use our privilege to make a difference in the life of a brother or sister in need.
Have an awesome weekend and be generous! 😄
As always, thanks for reading 🙏
Originally published at https://www.leapfirst.co.za on July 17, 2020.
