Existing in a new world context

As the those of us in the US adjust to our first week or so social distancing and staying from home some new ways of operating are emerging. As we slow down and don't run around so much, I see that people are connecting more, finding creative ways to do that and emerging a little bit more vulnerable. As we share in this collective panic we see that we are all human, all want to love and be loved, all want to contribute to others/to the world, and all need to be with others, but in this day and age prior to COVID we might have forgotten that in the rush to succeed, to prosper, to achieve, especially in the US. I see some ways that things have changed already and am wondering if you think these things will remain when this is all through:

• The desire to connect - While I have been working from home/being at home for 7 days I have heard from old friends I haven't talked to in a long time and because we are all now at home we are really connecting when we speak on the phone. I am speaking/FaceTiming with my parents and brother/niece/nephews daily. I am having virtual happy hours/movie nights with friends and feeling so touched by the depth of sharing, love, and support we are showing each other during these anxiety producing times.
• The need for nature and physical activity - when I take my daily walks or runs I am seeing so many people out. We all need a sense of relief from being inside all day either alone or with our immediate families and at the same time nature has been such a healing balm. The wonderful cherry blossoms here in the DC area, tulips and daffodils sprouting, the quiet creeks in Rock Creek Park so still and serene. All of this reminds us beauty is still all around, nature is bountiful, and we will get through this. 
• Finding calmness and creativity - More and more people are looking for ways to calm themselves down. While my spiritual community has been amazing in ramping up ways for all of us to meditate, breath, and do yoga together, I am finding people/friends/clients who have never opened up to this before looking for ways to be mindful, meditate, and commune. They are also finding ways to be creative - drawing with their children, dancing with their partners, teaching each other yoga (I am doing virtual lessons with my niece and nephews!) and both calm and creativity are wonderful things to cultivate during these times.
• Finding ways to give back - call and check in on elderly people or those who may live alone. Find ways to donate to local causes (I started a fundraiser for a local charity Martha's Table as they help those in need in the DC area). Look for ways to use your skills to provide relief to others (even the celebrities are doing free concerts/dance classes) by using their talents. We all have them. Find ways to support others during this time.

While this time can be very hard and my heart goes out to so many people in need there are some very important things resulting from this time of COVID which could provide some good changes for when life goes back to normal. Find the silver lining in what we are going through. When we can rush around anymore find ways to go inwards, love the people in your families, friend circles, and your communities, and find ways to give back. All of these steps will get us through the current crisis and help us in the future when things get back to a new normal.