As we put the terrible 2020 behind us, I cannot help but think of the times of the Nazi regime in Germany when millions of people were terrorized and the world stared in horror at mass scale death and destruction. Although, the cause, conditions and collective combats are very different in this pandemic and the resultant lockdown, the deep human pains of death, loss, anguish, fear, uncertainty and loneliness are all the same. Never have we seen, at least in our lifetime a catastrophe of this proportion affecting the whole world at the same time.
To survive these difficult times we certainly have lessons to learn from the survivors of the holocaust and concentration camps run by Nazi Germany during World War II. One thing that was common and stood out distinctly among all of them was steadfast HOPE. All through the dehumanizing experiences of abuse, torture, brutality and hardships, they kept goading themselves to see light at the end of the tunnel, believing strongly that they will pull through this hell and live well one day.
Hope and optimism are amazing mental states, about which a lot have been written, researched and discussed ever since. In fact, our scriptures talk about the power of these unique human emotions and mental states that help people wriggle out of difficult situations and emerge more resilient.
Life without hope is unbearable; hope is like oxygen. Innumerable research studies in Positive psychology across the globe emphasise that hope leads to everything from better performance in school and more success in workplace to healthier relationships and happiness to overall health and wellbeing. It is hope that yanks us out of seemingly helpless situations, makes us invest more in our daily lives, drive us to plan our actions for better future and thus make us see beyond current challenges.
Although only some measure high on hope by nature, fortunately all can learn to become hopeful and optimistic by cultivating these four core beliefs:
1. I will emerge from the present to a better future.
2. I have the power to make the change.
3. I can achieve my goals through many different paths.
4. I can fight all the obstacles that come my way.
Here is wishing all a healthy, safe and a very hopeful 2021