It depends on how much love we have for one another.
The virus spreads easily from one person to another even if the person is not showing any symptoms of the disease. This means that anyone can be a carrier without even knowing it and with no vaccines or treatment, it’s up to each one of us to do our part to stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is the only way.
Socially distancing is very difficult and uncomfortable. We are social animals and our physical isolation from each other creates suffering. As an introvert I didn’t think I would have a hard time with this but even I miss eating sushi at my favorite Japanese restaurant while watching the chefs prepare the orders. I miss going out for beer at the local bar or grabbing bubble tea with friends. Most of us will struggle with social distancing but there is no other way right now. If we want this to end as soon as possible we need to work together. In many ways, COVID-19 is a test of how much love we have for each other. Is our love strong enough to withstand our own suffering for the sake of our family, friends, neighbors, and community’s well being? Or will we succumb to the temptation to relieve ourselves from the discomfort?
Masses stampeding into the supermarket is not love. Hanging out with friends at the beach at this time is not love. Spreading hate about the origin of this virus is not love. These are all self-serving behaviors that will further spread the virus and keep us in this state of turmoil for a much longer time.
Real love takes sacrifice, it asks that we remove our self interest from the equation and shift our mindset to consider others needs. Loving only when it’s convenient or easy enough isn’t real love. We have the power to stop COVID-19. It’s in the hearts of every one of us.
