The lockdown period was filled with uncertainties and tensions. Many activities during this duration were eased out. It felt like a much-needed and never-ending break both at the same time. We spent close to a year in this free-spirited attitude where everything at first felt new, beautiful and rosy.
Now, post that one-year gap many restricted activities have begun to go back to normal, the things that we did when the pandemic wasn't there...have re-started slowly, with tons of safety measures to keep in mind. We now have the same kinds of hustle, a battle to fight right and somewhere the never-ending rat race to face. Lots of scope for the ways of competing, filled up with confusion and the desparation to step out.
We are making way to learn, re-learn, explore, blossom and adapt to the new ways of living something we had forgotten whilst we were indoors. But, finally what is the new normal going to look like? How will we be able to manage everything once it becomes the way it used to be? All these questions are still hovering over my mind whilst I know the new normal is going to be an unforgettable experience with tons of moments and memories to look back at.
The new way of living once we mark the exit of an unwanted guest looks like- Watching a film in the theatres whilst having to eat the most expensive fancy foods outside the comforts of home. While the at- home theatre experience was relaxing in our favourite night-suits having cooked a steaming hot fresh meal started from stratch. Outside you have the pressure of wearing and looking a certain way to meet the same old friends/colleagues without greeting them and using the best safety measures- masks, gloves and sanitizers to rather stay 6ft away.
How else would the new normal look like? Going back to the place that once used to be your second homes- schools/colleges/workplaces. Finally your teacher and seniors are going to be seeing you instead of allowing you to "enter" a virtual meeting, instead of a switched off camera they are going to be seeing your face.Travelling in the local transport and enjoying the experience of long train/bus rides is something everyone will be waiting for, unfortunately not to touch much around us.
But although we are starting to follow the guidelines to what our new normal is going to look like, it's going to be a beautiful experience at first but we are never again going to have this break, this slow pace,this relaxed environment again. Never again are we going to be able to be in zen-modes, giving importance to our mental health, fitness and wellness related goals. We are never going to see a full stop to this mad rat race and a life filled with competition.
The pandemic was a learning lesson and a stepping stone towards an understanding and realisation for many aspects in most of our lives. I hope all of us never forget what it has taught us before we step back into our regular lives- the one with the new normal where we will bounce back into action like the times before.
-Ushma Shah
Wow very well written 👏👏
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ❤️
DeleteSuperb
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!❤️
ReplyDelete