Putting my thoughts into words

Covid-19—The Misnomer

Namrata Natt, Academic coordinator, Manav Rachna International School, Mohali

The much talked about turn of events in the recent past has led to a lot of anxiety. This anxiety and the newfound home-boundedness have led to mundane lifestyle choices. Suddenly, we have come to terms with a lot of changes within and outside of us. Some are making us adept while some are making us sulk. Adjusting schedules for your own work and making space for donning the hats of a homemaker, a caregiver, a cook, a maid and a mother have actually proved that we are multitasking and have that innate ability to rise to the 'occasion'.

The media is storming us with the latest perspectives on the Covid-19 which are adding to the anxiety levels. Amidst all this 'chaos', I think we still have one power left to us - the power of perspective. Over this month and a half, I have had the time to introspect and internalise that no matter how grim the situation is, no matter how anxious we get, no matter what future holds for us in store, we must break the habit of believing everything we think.

Count your blessings

Mind is a powerful tool and yet most of the times, it controls us. With the negativity clouding the present times, we often forget to cherish how fresh the air feels, how we can enjoy better views without the smog blurring the environment, how being at home has exposed us to our hidden talents which could not come to the fore because of her incessant pursuit of being worldly successful. Our mind is so fine-tuned on the negatives that we can't seem to count our blessings. With this negativity in our minds, we are giving strength to 'the negative vibe', which not only shrinks our hopefulness but also increases the level of disappointment.

Breathe. Stay positive. Nothing lasts forever!

This is the time to distinguish the fact from the story. Breathe. Stay positive. Nothing lasts forever. Just remember, whatever you are feeling is fleeting. Feelings of anxiety must be abandoned. Replace your thoughts with deep breaths. Remember everything is temporary. Don't underestimate the power of beauty, the small plants on your kitchen's windowsill, a beautiful cup to drink your tea from, you and your child sharing each other's workload, time travel with closed eyes, catching on your favourite old movies. We must not underestimate the pleasure in simpler things. It has the ability to influence one's thoughts. In these crucial times, ask yourself: What is this trying to teach me? Learn the lesson and move on. So just blink to renew, refresh and reboot.

Till distance do us apart!

Shikha Sondhi, Faculty member, Manav Rachna International School, Mohali

How far we have trodden, the distance seems no edge,

And when I look down the memory lane,

I see you, behold me.

Ah! What bliss! What love! What fantasy! What mirth!

Alas! The distance seems no end.

How far we have trodden our paths, the paths apart,

Yet when I look back, down the memory lane,

I see you, unmoved, undefiled by the pangs of the paths fallen apart.

Hath not made my memories faint,

But instead deepened my faith.

And I wonder from the distance so far,

Are you and I separated from our hearts?

You are deep inside like my soul,

You are my wisdom, you are my core,

You are my bosom chum,

And shall ever be!

You are my bosom chum,

And shall ever be!