Chapter 1: A Midnight Revelation

One night, I was nearly asleep when my phone rang just before midnight. It was a new friend, calling to share some important news. My heart skipped a beat, as I had just finished my serving shift earlier that day. I had heard rumors about the restaurant potentially closing due to the coronavirus, and I wondered if that was why she was calling. As she took her time to explain, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind. Was there a rumor about me? Had I been gossiping? I wished she would just get to the point.

Fortunately, there was no gossip or restaurant closure on the horizon. Instead, she informed me that the liquor store might close the next day, and I should stock up. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation—it felt so typically Canadian.

After sharing a laugh, we delved into a deeper discussion about the virus. This pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetimes, as humanity globally confronts a rapidly spreading threat. People have been compelled to halt their daily routines abruptly.

Quarantine measures had just been implemented a few days prior, with infection numbers rising to 300 by Sunday. By Wednesday, the count had surged to around 600. Thankfully, we were not among the first to face this crisis, unlike China, where nearly 80,000 individuals were infected and close to 3,000 lives were lost. The virus is believed to have originated in a wet market in Wuhan, where exotic animals like bats, dogs, and snakes are sold. These markets, with their cramped stalls and live animal slaughtering, create a perfect environment for viruses to jump from animals to humans.

During our conversation, my friend exclaimed, "Mother Nature needs a break!" This statement resonated with me and sparked deeper contemplation. If you've seen the documentary "Earth," narrated by Will Smith, you might understand that there exists a higher consciousness, often referred to as Mother Earth, who seems to be expressing her frustration with humanity.

When we lose balance and disregard universal laws, it can lead to dire consequences. Recent events, such as the wildfires in Australia and the alarming increase in ocean acidity, highlight our disconnection from nature. Coral bleaching and destructive fishing practices are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. Our agricultural methods have shifted from sustainable practices to factory farming, which harms our soil and disrupts biodiversity. While we prioritize trivial matters like toilet paper, we are neglecting our forests, which are vital for natural medicine.

Humans are interconnected with all forms of life—animals, plants, and the cosmos. We need to take responsibility for our actions to restore balance to life. This biological principle, known as homeostasis, refers to the self-regulating processes that maintain stability and adapt to optimal survival conditions. If homeostasis is achieved, life thrives; if not, disaster looms. I borrowed this definition from Britannica because it succinctly encapsulates the concept.

I don't claim to be perfect, but I genuinely believe this pandemic serves as a wake-up call. As we find ourselves with more time, let's shift our focus from financial worries to ways we can enact change in our lives. Perhaps we could drive less and walk more, reduce our meat consumption, or choose natural products over chemical-laden ones. Each of us has the power to initiate change, and it must start with us.

Inspiring you to inspire others!

Chapter 2: Understanding the Virus

In this video, titled "How Did COVID-19 Get its Name?" we explore the origins of the virus's name and its significant impact on global health.

The second video, "What is the Coronavirus," delves into the nature of coronaviruses, their transmission, and how they affect humans.

Sources:

• Both the new coronavirus and SARS outbreaks likely started in Chinese wet markets. Photos show what…

  www.businessinsider.com

• Human society under urgent threat from loss of Earth's natural life

  www.theguardian.com

• homeostasis | Definition, Examples, & Facts

  www.britannica.com