The Black Swan Moment

Is it so that only a society that takes care of its vulnerables can be invulnerable? There is something about compassion that makes us strong.

In fact, I find compassion and acts of kindness to be the cure to worries and anxiety. Not to mention self consciousness. In this Black Swan Moment, when our external world changes daily with consequences that cannot be perceived, I find consolation in the things I do for other.

I also find deep consolation in the acts of kindness by others in my society. It grants me feeling of belonging to a good group, and of being included in its purpose. Suddenly, the uncertainty is not bothering me. I am reminded of the things of real importance in life. And am filled with trust that I will give and receive help as needed.

Photo: Eugene Chystiakov/Unsplash

Jonathan Sacks made the distinction between being an optimist and feeling hope. An optimist believing that a all will probably go well. But having hope is believing that if we act together, things will probably go well. I cannot be an optimist, my brain detects to many risks and uncertainties.

But when I see compassion around me, even ever so little, it fills me with hope. We will get through this by acting together. And we will make sure that life on earth is better than it was before the crisis. Because compassion reminds us that we are all one.

/ Margareta Steinsvik