BRIGHTEVERYDAY

With each day comes a new challenge, a new adventure and a new arc in learning.

This seemed a very poignant day to start something that has been simmering for years.

I hope you agree.

There have been many resounding messages and stories in the startling crisis which will define us for many many years to come. Her Majesty the Queen delivered an address to the Nation, the Commonwealth and the World which has given grace and solace to those suffering most but inspired us all to think deeply of our predicament and that of others caring and working at the very front line of Coronavirus.

We have witnessed daily outpourings of gratitude and thanks from all ages and creeds with news of the loss of life, stories of great courage and fortitude. Such is the nature of a Pandemic but more than that it lets us all see the fragility of life and the world we have created and raises the question of how we raise hope and human endeavour to conquer the invading virus.

We should each of us try to inspire each other to do our very best and to lift self-awareness, self-determination and responsibility to others less fortunate and capable. More than ever it is relevant across borders and divides. Sometimes the daily health landscape seems chaotic and that’s the very nature of the beast but in raising the collective spirit of people we can channel our energies in a great strength and solidarity. We will forever be indebted to the bravery and character of all our medical staff, health workers and those in essential services. An indebtedness to their professionalism under extreme pressure and circumstances and a tribute to their dedication and skills. It is very humbling.

How to keep strong and resolute in support of all these brave people is an indomitable challenge. How to recover from the emotional and spiritual turmoil to raise hope in individuals, communities and nations. How to recover practically, economically and politically not just nationally but globally. There is a forever a new landscape in all aspects of our lives and it asks monumental questions of self, of leadership and unity. Never in recent history has there been a global Pandemic with a vacuum created in its wake on such a scale. It perhaps heralds a new opportunity and definition of how we live our lives and how we relate to each other.

We have witnessed death in great numbers, sorrow, care and commitment but much more. We have been exposed to the raw reality of death with a great sense of bewilderment and loss, abject poverty and the deep furrowed inequalities of our world. We have been reminded of a polarised world of rich and poor, of excess and denial, of selfishness and selflessness. I would challenge that we ever use the word globalisation again unless we re-define its meaning!

As individuals and Nations we have allowed our modern world to be unbelievably complex and inequitable. How is easy but why is more perplexing. As we work through the pandemic and the weeks and months ahead there will be much time to reflect. It will offer many choices and new opportunities and rather than contemplate the realignment of world powers and Geopolitical shifts we should examine the force of the collective spirit of good people the world over. It heralds a seismic shift to self and community, to unity and shared social, economic and spiritual responsibility. It demands more of us not just in humility and gestures but inclusiveness, making sacrifices and reaching out to those most in need across countries and continents.

We more than ever have a clear opportunity to re-define the will of the people and share as neighbours the many resources of the planet. Be encouraged to raise our social and political awareness and transcend the barriers and race and creed. Reject subjugation and political oppression and old practices of corporate domination whether it be in science and technology, pharmaceuticals and banking or just commercial greed. Raise our profile in the provision of health and healing, in social care and education and of course in hope, not despair. I think this moment in time deserves to be remembered as a time of unity, sharing, caring, knowing and tolerance.

We each and every one of us has a role to play and now.

We did after all have a Renaissance before and there wasn’t much science in that!