The pandemic limits our travelling – however it doesn’t have the power to limit our minds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the thought that lives in the forefront of our minds contaminating our phones, televisions and all forms of technology, many look to the end of this catastrophe to travel and enjoy life.
But do we ever think of picking up those same devices, scrolling through them and reminiscing upon the thousands of memories? Many could do this to try to centre themselves and feel the same happiness they had whilst travelling instead of being transfixed on an outcome which seems too distant to be obtainable.
The journey through my camera roll resulted in the holiday I went to France, Lourdes. Lourdes is a very sacred and treasured pilgrimage to Christians and annually around 6 million pilgrims travel there. It now lies barren due to Coronavirus and plans to travel there have been put on halt resulting in some resentment to the travel bans. Lourdes is known for its peaceful and calming atmosphere which seems ideal in this stress induced time period. The stunning and picturesque scenery also gives pilgrims and travellers a sense of contentment.
Even as a Hindu myself, Lourdes made a significant impact on my life and spirituality and looking back on those memories helps me re-align myself during this outbreak. This is essential for many of us; we all are adamant on travelling, fixated that it is the only way to feel normality again, when essentially these pictures can bring these feelings flooding back.
Many blame the pandemic for not being able to go meet others, not letting them enjoy and have fun– however the pandemic has also given us a lot of time. Time is something that we cannot buy and we should be forever thankful for the things we achieved during lockdown that we couldn’t do before and look to the new lockdowns that could occur with a positive outlook and try and maximise the opportunities we bring ourselves.
Maybe we should stop looking to the lockdown for excuses and practice gratitude. The more we be thankful and appreciate the travels we have been on, the greater the happiness will be when we finally can go back on a holiday – all social distancing rules adhered.
Finally, I just want to leave everyone with this thought – COVID-19 is well on its way to be the new normalcy for us and focusing on how life used to be and deterring from social distancing rules and facial coverings will only burn the bridge permanently between normal life and us. Methods like looking through pictures, talking to friends over FaceTime and looking over fun vacations are all ways in which we can edge closer into gaining the ideal world we all desire back. This is the method to success.
Written by Priyadarsine Suthan, Woodford County High School
