COVID-19 - Think Globally, Act Locally
Think Globally, Act Locally
Although this slogan was originally created to talk about helping our environment, it is also something we can apply to the current COVID-19 situation.
Earlier this week I taught an online Zoom kids yoga class with a group of 3rd graders who call their group Paw Prints. This group of girls meet to think about philanthropic projects they can do to help the world. They have completed community service projects like collecting toiletries for people in need, making cookies for the fire department, and making pet toys for animal shelter. From the Yoga 4 Classroom® card deck, I call this practice Being a Good Citizen.
Now faced with social distancing these girls are struggling to think how they help. This is where the slogan “think globally, act locally” popped into my head. Local now means what can these children do in their homes to help the global population. These girls are now in their homes for the majority of their day so not to catch or spread the virus at least for the next two weeks. This will aid their community, their country, and the world.
The girls and I discussed how they can help their families while a home. This is a very small meaning of “local”. They can act by emptying the dishwasher, helping their younger siblings with school work, and helping with cooking. They can also practice the yamas and niyamas.
Yamas:
Ahimsa – Nonviolence, Practice Peace and Kindness for ourselves and others
Satya – Truthfulness, Be Honest to ourselves and towards others with Kindness
Asteya – Non-stealing, Be Generous, Share, Be Prompt
Brahmacharya – Non-excess, In balance, Moderation
Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness, Letting Go, Less Materialism, Don’t Be Greedy
Niyamas:
Saucha – Purity, Clear mind, Healthy body, Clean words, Clean actions
Santosha - Contentment, The Glass is Half Full
Tapas – Self-Discipline, Work Hard
Svadhyaya – Self-Study, Time for Reflection
Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender, Acknowledge the Big Picture
By practicing this yoga philosophy, peace and positivity can remain in the house. Peace and positivity can go a long way to way to keep a healthy mind-body connection.