COVID-19 Brings Light to the Pandemic of the Collective Conscious

As we are embarking further into what may be considered the greatest pandemic of our time, an equally sinister yet strangely subtle pandemic is emerging behind closed doors of our fellow quarantined: Home Alone Syndrome. I am unaware if this term has been previously coined by some other equally contemplative soul, and if so, I grant them full rights to it.

The symptoms: moodiness, disconnectedness, and ruminating, maddening thoughts, all inundating the minds of a people once pleasantly sedated by a fast paced, hopelessly preoccupied society. The film's protagonist, little Kevin McCallister, is portrayed in a rather exhausting light. Any thought he conjures up must be acted upon swiftly, so as to recreate any lost sense of entertainment, indicative of standard American pastime. Needless to say, Kevin's head space wreaks havoc on a situation, while, already dire as a missing person can be, is magnified to exaggerated measures: face-stuffing, house-trashing, and movie-binging. 

Let's give Kevin some recognition. In light of abandonment and isolation, he takes things relatively well, preoccupying himself in such a way that panic and depression do not overtake him. That's more than most of us can say for ourselves at this time! Undeniably, his wit and quick thinking carry him through an attempted burglary unscathed. There is a lot we can learn from this boy's approach to social quarantining. Let us not forget, however, that Kevin is left alone for a mere 24 hours. Left prolonged, this classic, restless mindset that only first world standards seem to replicate, would inevitably express anxiety, melancholy, and predictably, self-destructive behaviors. 

I realize my projection of the current pandemic on this plotline has several loopholes and can be endlessly reinterpreted. The point I hope to bring home is the nature of the human mind to wander, become bored, seek instant pleasures, and do near anything to distract itself from self-reflection. The ever-popular social distancing regulations, stay-at-home orders, and group-forming restrictions have all magnified the inner turmoil that results within us when we are not constantly busied. 

Upon sharing this insight, I can only help but feel I'm preaching to the choir. I am sure, like you, during the first few weeks of quarantining, I felt my sanity slowly slipping through the cracks. My friends and family members, usually sanguine in temperament, began to display themselves in a way that was startlingly unfamiliar- somnolent, emotional, and lacking in ambition. Suddenly, I recognized these symptoms of character defeat mirrored rather synchronously in myself. Herein lies the nature of the Collective Consciousness to contiguously mirror itself- being that we are mere reflections of each other, observation of those closest to you is a simple and effective guide to your inner state. 

Observing my family and friends in this state of mental turbulence, I couldn't help but reach out. I shared all the banalities that popped into to mind, from "You'll be OK, this is a natural response" to "Things will return to normal soon, and it will be like this never happened". What a shame it would be for the latter to occur. This pandemic is an unparalleled anomaly where the consciousness of mankind has been all but forced into awakening. We have been granted an invaluable opportunity to turn within ourselves and reevaluate our time, priorities, and our livelihoods. It is the epitome of a blessing in disguise, and we must use it to the fullest extent while we still have it. 

Take this extra time you've been granted and practice going deeper. Meditate, appropriate, recreate, rejuvenate. Stay in touch with your senses and your breath. Remain mindful of the current reality, with all its highs and lows. Recognize the lows are the greatest learning opportunities for you to overcome longstanding mental hurdles in your life. The universe has a way of replanting those unlearned subjects! Cherish those around you, build gratitude from an unwavering place, and rekindle it daily. Remember, a key to manifestation is having gratitude for what you already possess. 

It's impossible for things to go back as though they never happened; too many lives have been lost, too many businesses have failed and are failing, and too many families are filing for bankruptcy. Indeed, the economy has taken an unprecedented hit, comparable to the greatest recessions in all of American history. The job market will forever be influenced by this outbreak. Many are turning to remote work, and those with families are able to spend more time together now than was ever thought possible. The obsession with productivity and constant busywork is being reexamined, as many are realizing that once a job is done, spending senseless hours stuck in an office chair serves no one. I am determined that we are emerging from this crisis with a newfound clarity and direction for the future of mankind: an all-out reevaluation of the state of our planet, our minds, and ultimately, our souls.

Look around you and reconsider the perceived hardships of this time. Visualize the silver lining and uphold it as the future for the Collective Conscious- we're in this together. Sit with yourself; allow yourself to feel the weight of the rat race removed from your daily expenditure of energy. Once you cultivate that sense of peace, keep it aglow for yourself and others to experience around you. Remember, despite all there is to accomplish, it is truly OK just to be.