Lessons learned: What did the pandemic teach me about love and compassion?

For many of us, this is the first pandemic that we have ever experienced. Let me just say I started reverting to my youthful way of thinking and learning, absorbing any and everything around me to build perspectives.

Within this time in my life, the hardships faced within myself, family, and friendships have trickled into the forefront of my consciousness due to suppression. Many new modes of creativity have emerged, and the world has literally done a 180-degree turn.

The very essence of the energies within everyday life has fluctuated, and I feel everything that was bubbling has now erupted, funneling onto the surface. For me, it was hard not to be met with lessons that would mold me into the very person I'm supposed to be for the moment, or the trajectory of where I was heading in the future. I began seeing every crack and crevice of myself, which has taught me to hold a degree of compassion and kindness for other people—the ability to love someone merely through their character.

It's a profound skill set people don't really talk about, but they recognize admiration. People who welcome one another for who they are without preconceived notions tend to be the same people with the most genuine relationships with their loved ones.

READ: There are so many things I should've learned about self-love

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It's beyond important that you love yourself regardless of where you are on the journey

The pandemic has continuously revealed people's true characters and intentions in many situations. As somebody who is able to feel people's emotions and energies, I just try to be as positive as I can while also being aware of my energy and how that might affect others around me.

Sometimes it can be tough not to react impulsively, especially when people have aggressive or threatening dispositions. But in times like this, it's important to keep in mind we're all human beings deserving of love and compassion to get us through times when we may not feel that there's any hope left.

It is not easy to remain open to people or things when undergoing huge amounts of stress, but showing compassion and love is the remedy. Mindfulness should be practiced in many aspects of life. Practicing mindfulness is one method that keeps me present, calm, and patient even when times are rough for myself or others.

I wholeheartedly recognize that life as we know it right now may come with its challenges, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel no matter what. We are all worthy of knowing that we matter within the world.

As the inspirational message on my Yogi tea bag would say, "love is the ultimate law of life." We must continue to maintain our love for humanity, helping to create brighter days in this lifetime.