Today, I am taking an opportunity to share my reflections on the best and the worst moments of lockdown …
as we return to a ‘NEW’ normal.

It seems that this lockdown has literally brought us down to our knees.

Unprecedented times. These are some of the most common things we hear and talk about. Economies have come to a grinding halt. Depression. Job losses. Financial hardship.

I decided to write this blog as we have all had our own version of how we have interpreted this time in self isolation. During this time I heard from people who have been swearing at the governments and law enforcement organisations for making life so hard for them in this lockdown. People who have had losses. Felt the pain of isolation. The pain of loss of freedom. Being by themselves and how lonely that can feel.

And all of that is true.

On the other hand, I also heard from others who were just so grateful for what these times have shown to them. Developed a sense of appreciation. A sense of gratitude for how we take things for granted, only to realise their value when they are taken away from us.

Do you know what you focus on?

Remember the old saying, “What we resist, persists”. As we wallow in self-pity or drown in our own rage, it’s not uncommon to want to blame other people or assume that bad things only happen to us.

But the blame game will only get you so far.

Yes, sometimes it’s much easier to blame an unjust world, terrible circumstances, a difficult childhood or a cruel God for the hardships that befall us. Although blaming others can give us a temporary illusion of control, in the long run it will only bring us back to the self-pity and rage with which we started. While we often can’t change what has happened to us, we can certainly shift how we respond to our circumstances

Can We Actually ​Discover Optimism and Hope in Adversity?

Since time immemorial, civilizations across the world have celebrated spring as a powerful symbol of rejuvenation. After crossing the threshold of the first day of spring, we turn our attention to what lies ahead for our lives. As the surrounding flora and fauna come alive, we ask ourselves: ​what is the promise of this new beginning?​ Which parts of us do we wish to further cultivate, expand and empower? And as we leave winter behind, what are the parts of ourselves that we are ready to shed because they no longer serve us? How do we find hope?

In short, spring and its new beginnings often “spring” from an initial point of reflection and introspection. Spring, which historically signifies rebirth, stands in juxtaposition to the months of hibernation (literal or figurative) from which life emerges. As we look forward to longer days and warmer temperatures, the promise of new things to come glows in the horizon.

As I reflected upon the above lines, I felt that this so aptly reflects what the world is going through.

It seems that as we slowly find a “NEW” normal,post COVID pandemic,​ there will come a Spring​.

A Spring that will cause new shoots to emerge. Create new beginnings. And will inspire us to perhaps write a new chapter in our lives and also the lives of our loved ones.

In the rush to return to normal, use the time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.

Dave Hollis

Adversity is often a wake-up call to do things we know we should have been doing all along.

This can be taking better care of our health, learning how to better manage our finances, leaving a destructive relationship, prioritizing important relationships or dedicating ourselves to an important cause.

Ultimately, spring brings us the opportunity to grow the most potent flower of all: hope.

Hope is the fruit that comes from properly reflecting on the root of one’s pain and ultimately taking ownership of it and one’s own life.

As Christopher Reeve once powerfully stated,
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

Dr Arun Dhir
Surgeon, Health & Wellness Advocate.
Author of “Happy Gut, Healthy Weight” and “Create a New You Health Journal“

He is an engaging speaker and has spoken on many public forums. Dr Arun runs his own You Tube channel, where he shares insights in the area of mind-body and gut connection and how this translates into our health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer​: Radical wellness program focuses on recalibrating and balancing the inner environment. Some clients may need to continue to take help of prescription medications for extended periods of time, depending on the severity of their medical condition. Our intention is to integrate the Radical Wellness program with any ongoing medical treatment that our patrons may require, under the supervision of their medical practitioners. The program is an integrative approach rather than an exclusive approach, that is based on safe, professional and an evidence based approach to health and wellness. We urge our patrons to exercise caution and not suspend, discontinue or alter any medical treatment without the recommendation of their medical practitioners. Dr Arun Dhir, his associates, team members and partners will not be liable for any harm, injury or loss arising out of this.