The upsides to a world in crisis by Soleira Green

Here we are, smack dab in a global pandemic, and yes there are downsides, but there are also loads of upsides to what's happening right now around the world. The old ways are crumbling and innovation is surging the world over. This is the moment we move into a brand new, unified world. Let me show you what I mean...

Global Connection ... Watching the spread of the virus is demonstrating to us all just how interconnected we are the world over. In my own life and work, connection is thriving. Yes I'm home and I'm doing Zoom calls and Facebook events on line with all my buddies from around the world. We're watching Italians singing on their balconies together and police officers entertaining people on lock down in their homes with song and dance on the street. We're able to access live concerts by celebrities straight from their homes, watching all the countries stroll by in their live feed. In Canada a Facebook group called CareMongering went viral and is facilitating people helping people who need help. I even watched a BBC news clip of two teenage boys delivering gift packs of necessities to elderly people in their community. Who will we be together as a world when all this settles down? Back to normal? I don't think so and that is a great thing.

The Environment ... Oh wow, watching videos from the International Space Station of pollution disappearing over countries known for really poor climate attention. Seeing dolphins return to the canals in Venice and birds chirping in Wuhan, China for the first time in a long time. Can we truly go back to ignoring our effect on global climate after watching the world sparkle to life while we're at home.

Health Care & Healthy Living ... In the current circumstances, countries with great, accessible health care systems are doing better than those without. And that also matches to countries and cultures where a healthy life style is embedded into the culture. Governments will have to make these things a priority in their countries from this point on. And of course, everyone the world over will most likely be working on getting healthier and boosting their immune systems from here on in.

Essential Workers ... Perhaps finally the world is recognising the powerful and essential contribution of medical staff, care workers, supermarket stockers & check out people and truck drivers delivering goods to those places. Let's hope they finally get a much deserved raise in pay when all this is said and done.

Politics, not as usual ... Governments are being forced to step into innovative and supportive solutions for managing this global circumstance. Are we finally going to see a movement beyond divisive party politics and a lasting orientation to doing what is right for people and the countries they serve.

Companies orienting to contribution, not just profit ... Here in the UK it's been wonderful watching some of the large stores, like M&S and Waitrose, creating £1M funds to support communities at risk. Might we at long last realise that lasting contribution should be at the top of the list for corporations from here on in?

Universal Wage? ... In the UK and some other countries, people being put out of work are being offered a monthly wage by the government. And then there are the countries mandating no payment of rent or bills during the lockdown. Is this the beginning of something we've hoped for for a long time? The beginnings of a universal wage so that everyone can live graciously and well.

The End to Wars? ... Now I have absolutely no data on this, but I would imagine that right now, for the first time ever, conflicts, wars and bombings may actually be at a standstill. Hmmm, what will the implications of that be once all the dust settles for us all.

You see, every time there is a global crisis, great movement can come from it, taking us forward into a new era for us all. Personally, I believe that for me and my visionary buddies, we were made for these times as we have such a passion for our newly emerging world. I imagine that we all were made for these times! What will your contribution be? Can't wait to see.