The world is temporarily closed.

How aptly this theatre sign sums up our ‘new normal’ existence.

What a strange and unusual world we are living in. Who would have been able to comprehend two months ago the unprecedented challenges and constraints we are facing today?

I love this image. Perhaps the world has indeed cried out in despair for help, since no one appeared to be listening - to the inevitable consequences of pollution, the dwindling of natural resources, climate change, disease and waste. Who would have believed it possible that life as we know it could change so dramatically in a mere six weeks? Leaders are finally putting people before politics, coming up with innovative strategies and helpful policies. We are not flying, we are commuting much less, we are working from home where possible, we are even returning to baking and growing our own vegetables, we are reading, we are praying, we are meditating, we are walking. We are socially distancing for the sake of the wider community.

The resilience of human nature shines brightly in times of adversity: health workers are showing amazing courage; key workers have suddenly acquired huge significance and worth; some of the lowest paid in society have become the most indispensable. People are showing incredible powers of endurance, innovation and creativity in their personal lives, businesses and education.

For many of us these are very challenging times in a variety of ways: physically, mentally, socially and financially. We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetimes and we are struggling to find our way through. Many are isolated and alone, separated from loved ones; many others are having to cope with young children, contentious teenagers and difficult partners, without any prospect of relief. Suddenly, many of us are required to be teachers as well as parents, all the while facing the momentous task of working from home.

During these unprecedented times, we must hold on to the fact that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how long and dark the tunnel may seem, it will end. Life as we know it will come again, but hopefully we will not forget the lessons learned. Let us hope when we come out the other side that our world will be a better place, that our leaders will be wiser and kinder, that we as individuals will change our priorities and become more caring and less materialistic. Let us hope that in the end we have more faith, more love and more compassion. Let us hope for a better world…