Our society encounters one of its biggest challenges. Coronavirus caused many difficulties all around the world. From all the positive cases and deaths to the lack of test, effective equipment and vaccine; people are scared and anxious.
So, what is one thing that can ease this pain? Love.
We are all facing the same struggle, and this connects us all together.
Researcher found that just as anger and hate, love and compassion are learned behaviour. Through the skills and tools of SEL (social and emotional learning) people are showing good practices:
- Instead of being insensitive and locking themselves in their houses and apartments, people started acting in a kind, generous, grateful and helpful way
- Social media promotes staying at home and many courses, classes, activities are made free of charge during this period
- Children support others by making inspirational and encouraging arts and crafts
- Volunteers are making masks, doing shopping for the elders and helping in healthcare.
Concentrating always on happiness and love though is easier said than done. That is why we should practice it regularly. Just as muscles need strengthening, courage, love and calmness needs reinforcement too. SEL is proved to have its positive outcome. For example, after doing a couple of minutes of Brave Breaths, kids can feel immediate comfort.
Let’s see some other visible and lifelong benefits of SEL:
- Decrease in: aggression, violence, depression, anxiety, sadness, self-destruction, drug-use
- Development in: self-control, tolerance, empathy, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, social skills, decision-making, problem-solving
By just looking at some of these skills mentioned above we should realize that practising SEL would heal us during the time of this pandemic. It would make us stronger, more connected and understanding than we were before. We would build up a better world just by showing kindness.