People are showing a level of empathy I’ve never seen before

In the best of times, we can feel isolated from our friends, neighbours and community, even from the world.

The current crisis spread fast, even to the most remote parts of the world. It makes us realize we are all the same. We are all human. We may have our own ways of coping, but we all share the same emotions: love-hate, joy-sadness, confidence-fear. I see a great equanimity evolving and compassion and empathy that I have not seen before.

I’ve observed humanity in recent days and have noticed that about 20 per cent of people are terrified. Some seem oblivious, but the vast majority of people are showing a level of empathy I’ve never seen before. Strangers on the street ask how I’m doing. I’ve seen many people offer others help. I think this is the fundamental state of human beings: We are social animals and our instinct is to care for each other. Love is our faith and my belief in that continues to be affirmed.

I have hope, faith and a strong belief that we can all carry this into the future.

The times they are a-changing.

This blog post and the accompanying cartoon image were submitted by a member of the Up Hub Peer Advisory Committee