I’ve been watching a lot of news, curled up in my cozy little cave. To be honest, I’ve enjoyed my hermetic existence. No one to make me feel inferior or embarrassed or ashamed of myself. No need to act like I like people when I don’t. No need to cope ahead or Dear Man or GIVE or FAST to get along with other people. This new normal soothes my soul. I see it is coming to an end. I accept that. I may not like it, but I accept it. Why should we miss it?

Well, aside from the reasons an introvert like me will list long and well, there is the effect it had on Earth. Pollution went way down. I’m not going to bore you with numbers, but you can research it and find out for yourself if you doubt me. Or just look around, or watch the news. This morning, NBC’s Today Show had a piece on the positive environmental impact of the lock downs. Animals are thriving. CO2 is down. It is possible for people and nature to coexist. All it takes is people being more mindful and considerate when it comes to traveling and consumption. There are so many of us, we can make a difference through our actions and choices. Less travel means less pollution and less wear and tear on the infrastructure, some of which is not looking too great. Have you noticed how many bridges drop pieces every time a car goes over? Not the safest thing.

Working from home has taught us a few lessons. We are happier not commuting. We are happier not having to put on a show for others when we go to work. The air is clearer when we don’t drive so much. We have more time for life and things we like when we don’t have to commute or work a specific shift. We don’t have to be crammed into an office like sardines in a can to be productive and successful. In fact, some lucky people are going to stay in the WFH world. They have been more productive and healthier, according to their employers. That is not a bad thing.

And now, we are returning to business as usual. I have seen news of 3 mass shootings in the past month. It was so nice not hearing about those while we were locked down. Hate crimes are rising against Asians, thanks to an absolute oaf who nearly ran our country into the ground and tried to make it acceptable to be racist. People are still being killed by police, who feel that they have no choice in the matter, except for the old saying “Better judged by 12 than carried by 6.” There is so much fear. So much hate.

How about a new normal? One where we consume less, making life simpler and easier to manage while improving the environment and still being productive? One where we accept and appreciate each other’s strengths and differences and needs? One where everyone tries to practice radical acceptance and loving kindness? I think we can do it, if we will simply use our Wise Minds instead of our fear and hate to determine what we will and won’t do.