It has been a week since lockdown. There is a curfew. So I would rather call it what it is: a lockdown.

I have had better days. Since COVID-19 reared its ugly head, I have had moments of fear and depression. It is encouraging when the experts speak with reassuring authority, trying to calm our nerves. But each time they do, they end with a reminder that the elderly are most at risk. And I think, “Oops, that’s me!”

Those of us who survived the war find it eerily familiar. At the instant we found out that we were at war, there was panic buying, looting, even a bank run. I was a little girl and didn’t understand why people were worried. I just took out my jackstones and rolled the little red ball.

How wonderful it was to be a child in those times. Not so great to be all grown up, old and weary in these—our—times.

During the occupation, I remember how, with my cousin, we pushed our little kariton and queued for rations of munggo, sardines and rice. I knew that others were not as fortunate and were making do with salt and rice or sharing one tuyo.

Some think we may go through those times again, sooner than later. I pray not.

How much longer?

Some months ago, I did a whole piece on how time was flying too fast. Today I am watching it drag its feet. Where I live, the “natives” are getting restless. And it has only been a week. How long will this lockdown be in effect? No one knows for sure. For as long as it is necessary, I suppose.

This is today’s reality. This is not a nightmare, folks. We are wide awake. Life, as we once knew it, is over. And it will never be the same again.

Our lifestyle will change. It must. We have been so busy making a living that we have forgotten to examine our life. We have been oblivious to the people around us. We must transform the way we think, our values, our priorities. This “time out” should teach us to consider someone else’s well-being, besides our own.

There is much to learn. And it is all for the good.

We need to address the thoughtless way we have lived as consumers, enslaved by the hype of having only the best, the latest in fashion or technology. Perhaps we will remember that there are people in need, who can’t even afford milk for their children. There will be no room for whims or cravings in this new scenario.

Another war

In the meantime, we are keeping track of what new borders have shut down. It is like being at war. The only way we can fight this one is by staying home. We cannot overemphasize the importance of not roaming about. Every move we make can spell safety or disaster.

I read a very sensible piece of advice. Pretend that you are infected, that you are carrying the virus. Protect those around you by distancing yourself from them. If possible, go into self-isolation.

And in the meantime, we wash our hands, disinfect our surroundings.

But there’s more.

Let’s look into our hearts. We need major cleaning there. Let’s start with our language, off- and online. Cut the sarcasm. If you must post anything, make it something that will help, teach, uplift, inspire. Find the kinder side of your soul and let the world see it.

Whatever your nationality, for God’s sake, let us stop the hatred. Stop criticizing and start helping. The virus has nothing to do with politics. Some want it to be. Don’t help them make it so.

In this hurting world, let us choose peace.

Have you ever heard leaves rustle? Just a gentle breeze sets them dancing. Have you listened to the chirping of birds in the morning? Open your windows. Enjoy the show.

Dispel the darkness

Suddenly, our old troubles seem petty, unimportant. It all pales in comparison to this crisis we are living. But in the words of Aristotle: “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

And we shall find it.

Take advantage of these quiet moments to pray, to give thanks—and then repent for taking it all for granted.

God speaks. And He tells us: “Be still and know that I am God.”