As we all know by now, the Coronavirus pandemic has forced us to live life differently. We have changed the way we work, the way we socialize and the way we prioritize things in our lives.

The question is: how many of these changes will stay with us when this is all over? And remember: this will be over some day. 

If there is any good to come from this experience, it is that we have learned that changing our habits can indeed benefit us—and the planet we call home. In the weeks since nations across the globe have announced stay at home orders, scientists are seeing dramatic changes in our air and water. Consider this:

• India, home to 21 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities, has seen significant improvements in its air quality, with many cities seeing blue skies for the first time in years. 
• During one five-day period, San Francisco saw a 40 percent reduction in the average concentration of fine particulate matter in the air compared to the same period of time last year.
• The canals of Venice have lost their murky blur and fish are now visible in the waters.
• Many of us have used this time to get a jump on our spring cleaning and are finding ways to simplify our lives by recycling and sharing things that we have no use for with others who need them.

I hope that when life gets back to normal, I will keep many of the habits I’ve practiced during this time, including corresponding more frequently with friends and family; reading faithfully; exercising regularly; and of course, meditating daily. I don’t know how I would have survived this time without my meditation. It has kept me centered, sane and calm amid all the madness.