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The pandemic has altered the world and consequently, our lives and lifestyles in many ways. Things we once didn’t even imagine are now becoming a part of our daily routines, such as hand shakes becoming a taboo or someone sneezing/coughing just enough to send a shiver down one’s spine.
Among the many things that the pandemic has taught us is, to live with less – or minimalism. The pre-Covid lifestyles of splurge, extravaganza and consumerist culture have paved way for a more conscious, frugal and mindful living. Minimalism, at its core means intentionally living with only the things that you need to support your purpose – free from all the distraction of excess possessions. All the big fat social gatherings and weekend parties have been nearly non-existent or at best reduced to virtual toasts (cheers to that!); luxury shopping binge is a thing of the past with carts today loaded with only essentials and personal care; movie-watching in multiplexes roaring with sound boxes and woofer effects while popping up Rs 350 popcorns is now an art of fiction. Instead, it’s the OTT platforms serving unlimited on-demand entertainment while we binge watch from the comforts of our couch, sipping a freshly brewed (filter) coffee along with humble home-made onion pakodas.
Gyms, swimming pools, Salons and club affiliations – a status symbol and prized possession for many are now worthy of nothing as people increasingly take to online fitness sessions, meditation, Yoga and DIY beauty kits. Mind, which was the most neglected part of the human machine has suddenly risen to Numero Uno – thanks to the anxiety, stress and claustrophobia caused by lockdown and social distancing. Mental health is admittedly becoming more important than sporting 6-pack abs! And finally, the exotic holidays and cruise vacations now appear to be a dreamland, as we learn to enjoy the myriad hues of nature – the silently streaming lake, the golden sunrise, the glittering aura of the strawberry moon and the non-stop chirping of birds from the corners of the balcony.
Secondly, it has made us a lot more self-reliant. Domestic chores, which were arguably the most gargantuan tasks and could not have been performed without the services of a domestic help, are now a part of our daily calendars. We can now cook a healthy meal, clean the dishes, do the laundry, run the mops & sweeps, make the bed - all in a self-serving manner.
Third, many of us have shed the rigidity in our behaviors and thinking to embrace flexible ways of living. Be it remote working at staggered hours to support colleagues from other time zones or to make time for domestic chores. Or living with things we don’t have a natural liking for. Wait, am not referring to pesky spouses or cranky neighbours – but just the way we have gotten used to new companions in face shields, hand gloves, body suits and disinfectant wipes/sprays so that we stay alive!
Last, and perhaps the most transformational aspect has been the enormous display of care and compassion towards fellow humans. From students to working adults, politicians to businessman, poor to wealthy – people from all walks of life have stepped up to the challenge either by volunteering at Covid testing centers or war rooms, making donations, distributing food and essentials to the homeless and stranded, or funding the day-to-day expenses of daily wage earners who lost their livelihoods due to business closures from lockdown.
These are really trying times and we are perhaps midway through a long, hard battle. Personally, I now feel more stronger, fitter, resilient and independent than ever before. The pandemic has given me the time and space to develop new skills, create new experiences and discover abundance. The new ‘minimalist’ in me with maximal energies. I am hopeful, together we will emerge victorious from this crisis with our resilience and resolve.