Precious is the life we have

Our lives on hold, we hold on (to the arts) for dear life

- NICK LIZASO

The Covid-19 pandemic has a lesson for each of us. For me, it is the realization that we cannot control the universe. At any moment something unstoppable can make the business of life grind to a halt so unexpectedly. Suddenly our lives are disrupted.

The death of so many well-known doctors at the top of their fields, should make us stop and think seriously. They had successful careers, education, recognition, and money. All that have been taken away in one instance by a virus.

We are forced to be marooned where we are. The wealthy are unable to do anything about the “bleeding” of their business empires and many workers have lost their jobs and livelihood. Families are selling their possessions to make it through the pandemic.

We can no longer bring out our luxury cars. We can no longer go to social functions and show off our glittering diamonds and expensive watches. We cannot even display our well-groomed faces and well-coiffed hair, covered as they are by face masks and face shields. Leisure travel is out of the question.

In effect, we are all being stripped down by an uncontrollable force. A friend tells me that maybe God wants to empty us before He fills us up anew. There is also the famous saying attributed to Buddhist master Ryutan: “You are like this cup; you are full of ideas. Before I can teach you, you’ll have to empty your cup.”

One vital lesson comes from people who have survived the Covid infection, some virtually coming out from the dead. Their message for all of us consists of four letters: LIFE. Just to be alive and to be able to breathe freely again is the most important gift of all.