The Old is Unplugged and the New, Unknown: Learning in Uncertainty
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Chapter 1: The Shift in Our Lives
The coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered life globally. Businesses that required face-to-face interaction have shuttered, prompting many individuals to remain in their homes. The duration of this situation remains uncertain. Amid these changes, we experience a profound sense of both isolation and interconnectedness.
For many, this reality brings a mix of fear and excitement. It presents a significant opportunity for introspection. What changes will I embrace moving forward? This feels like a collective spiritual retreat, reminiscent of the silent retreats I participated in during school. Nowadays, I can see friends—at a safe distance—but our interactions are limited. During those retreats, we often had spiritual readings that helped us rethink our lives or our relationship with the divine. Such insights were crucial for returning from the retreat with a renewed perspective.
Section 1.1: The Stay-at-Home Challenge
Many individuals find the experience of staying home challenging, yearning for the mental and emotional stimulation that personal interactions once provided. In response, numerous talented performers, educators, and artists have made their work available online for free. This offers a refreshing perspective, akin to the new ideas I gained from books during my silent retreats.
Here are some valuable resources to explore:
- The National Theatre in London offers lively performances on their YouTube channel.
- The Metropolitan Opera streams free operas nightly from their Live in HD series.
- Playbill provides access to 15 filmed Broadway productions and more.
- The Seattle Symphony hosts free broadcasts on YouTube and Facebook.
Subsection 1.1.1: Want to Learn Something New?
Explore Class Central by Dhawal Shah, which features 13 subject areas ranging from Computer Science to Education. In the Personal Development section, you can find timely courses like "Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption."
Section 1.2: Staying Active
Gold’s Gym is offering a free version of their app, Goldsamp, through May. Meanwhile, Planet Fitness hosts "Home Work-Ins," streamed live daily at 7 p.m. ET on their Facebook page. Additionally, DownDog Yoga provides complimentary yoga classes through May 1.
Chapter 2: Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
For insightful articles on mindfulness and meditation during this pandemic, check out Live and Dare and The Los Angeles Times' "Meditation and Mindfulness Tips for Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic."
The first video, "Life is Not a Hero's Journey," discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty and finding meaning in our experiences.
Laughter in Difficult Times
Explore Coronavirus Cartoons and Comics on cartoonstock.com for a dose of humor. Artist Josef Lee shares thought-provoking cartoons inspired by the pandemic on Bored Panda. While not all are humorous, they encourage reflection on the opportunities for positive change that this virus presents.
Chapter 3: A New Understanding in Unprecedented Times
Rosicrucians remind us that, despite appearances, all is well, even as we adapt to new norms like wearing masks in public. An article from The New York Times titled "How the World Does Science Together" reveals how scientists are collaborating worldwide to combat the coronavirus. Traditional competitive research has been set aside, with scientists sharing their findings and resources for the collective good.
We are increasingly recognizing our shared humanity and reliance on one another. This newfound understanding could pave the way for a civilization based on love and compassion rather than selfishness and competition. By envisioning innovative approaches to social structures and other areas, we can foster a commitment to serve one another and prioritize mutual welfare, ultimately diverging significantly from our previous norms.
The second video, "Old Town (MTV Unplugged Version)," offers a nostalgic reflection on connection and community that resonates with our current experiences.
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