The pandemic shrunk us to rectangles on the screen – a face in a rectangle in a video call. Flat, lacking the dimension of depth, we were downgraded from our rich 3D embodiments to a 2D rectangle – boxed in by the boundaries that Covid created.

Suddenly, there were boundaries everywhere. As if there weren’t already enough boundaries in our minds and lives that confine and define us.

It is so challenging to connect with another human at the level of the soul. Covid destroyed human connection even at the flesh and blood level.

The boundaries started moving inwards, crushing and cramping us. Devouring our peace of mind and joy. People were starved for love and connection. Life became unbearable for so many of us, and each day was a struggle for more than 2 years. The mental health statistics during Covid are a testimony to this massacre. 

Did the universe want us to learn a lesson? Was the pandemic merely a random mutation of a virus which besieged the world? Well maybe! It is true that randomness explains a lot in life.

But, maybe there was a deeper lesson too. Apart from teaching us resilience, compassion and courage, maybe the universe was also trying to teach us the indispensability of human connection.

A pat on the back, laughing with loved ones, huddling with friends on a cold night, praying together, festivals and celebrations – all these are indispensable for the survival of the human race. 

Maybe it also answered the oft asked question – Will AI replace humans? AI is extremely useful, and it may replace humans in many spheres as it takes us further on the path of progress. But, it will never be able to replace a warm hug. It will never provide the assurance of holding hands, and it will never give the solace that comes from someone wiping your tears.

By showing us what happens when we are deprived of human connection, maybe the universe is asking us to build deeper and more meaningful connections.

To be there for each other in joys and sorrows. In successes and failures. To catch a friend if he falls. To hug, to hold hands and to wipe tears. To cuddle and to comfort. To raise toasts to promotions. To bless newly weds. To celebrate baby showers. To sit beside hospital beds. To fulfil last wishes.

To bring us happiness, fulfilment, and make the world a better place.

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Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay