KATHMANDU, JUNE 20

I wake up early today and walk to the balcony to have a glimpse of the sunrise. The atmosphere is serene. Birds are chirping and flying high in the sky, probably in search of food. "Are they also affected by the pandemic and lockdown?" I wonder.

But I withdraw my gaze from the sky to observe the sun. The mild light coming from the sun makes nature even more beautiful, which was already arresting with the greenery and the sounds of the birds.

The scene used to be a bit different on other days. Whatever I am observing today is dreamlike in terms of beauty. Maybe, it is the lockdown that has transformed nature back to its old instinct. Or, is it my mind that perceives nature differently today? I sink into deep contemplation, taking people's life into account.

The lockdown prohibits people from venturing outside unless there is an emergency. The peace brought about by the lockdown shows just how reckless we have been in the pursuit of worldly things. Now that humans are made to step out only when necessary, it shows how we had been living our lives without a purpose.

People saw life as a never-ending marathon where one should run on the same track until he falls down.

If there is one thing that the lockdown has taught people, it is the meaning of life.

The coronavirus is a deadly slap on those who think everything is less important than their work. As the pandemic has forced people to stay indoors, I'm sure it has also changed the way people think.

Everyone has been set free from their work and are getting to spend quality time with their families.

Since there is nothing much to do while staying indoors, people must have pondered over their lives. I do it every now and then, and each time I come up with a lesson learned.

Humans are disturbed by their past and the future that is yet to come. People worry about failures that took place a decade ago and are ruining their present. It is hard for them to get past the trauma that occurred in the past. It is because they overlook the power of life.

Life comes with different packages.

My ideology says that we should not stick to a single thing and limit our life doing just that. Life is limitless. We should expand our mind and try multiple things to amplify our skills that will help to live our lives with ease.

During the lockdown, I suggest people explore themselves and learn a new skill.

It is not always that we get such spare time, so we should utilise this lockdown for a good cause. Meanwhile, please don't go out unless it is necessary.

Stay safe. Stay happy.

A version of this article appears in the print on June 21, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.