Coronavirus Impact on Our Lives

The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly impacted our lives in countless ways. Adjusting to life under lockdown can take a significant toll on our mental health. News updates constantly report the latest death figures, making it easy to feel lost.

People isolate from friends and family, stockpile toilet paper (yes, we know you’re out there), and face the distressing uncertainty of not knowing when this pandemic will end. I have also struggled with the coronavirus’s impact on my academic, karate, and work life. Additionally, I have gathered some advice based on my knowledge of mental health, insights from my karate journey, and reflections on my personal experiences.

As I write this, I encourage the reader to take away one key aspect and try to implement it in their life. If not, I hope you will at least enjoy the read. That is still something!

Finding Inspiration in Travel

I enjoy traveling, and I have a tradition of picking up an art piece in every new city I visit. I’m quite particular; it has to have a unique story or represent an interesting moment to be worthy of bringing home to the UK. When I traveled to Japan last year, it was no different. My expectations were high because of my love for Japanese art and design, so I really wanted to find something special.

One morning, I visited a temple to practice Zen meditation taught by monks. The head abbot, Daigo Ozawa, introduced himself and led me into the meditation hall. The first thing that caught my eye was a huge dragon painting that covered the entire ceiling.

Something about the eyes struck me; they seemed to follow me everywhere. It wasn’t in a creepy way, but more like a judgmental parent. I asked Ozawa what this represented, and he said, “A dragon represents the true nature of Zen. The dragon asks you who your true self is when you strip back all the layers.” Unique story? Check. Interesting moment? Check. I knew I had to find this dragon somewhere and bring it home with me.

Reflecting on the True Self

Look at the dragon. Look at its eyes. And ask yourself, who is your true self? It’s a question I’ve been pondering since we went into coronavirus lockdown. Why? Well, there isn’t much else to do but ponder. Since we have been confined to our houses, we have faced many challenges due to the coronavirus. We’ve dealt with isolation, lost the freedom to travel whenever and wherever we want, and adjusted to life without restaurants, workplaces, or dojos.

This lockdown likely won’t last forever. So, while you have the chance, ask yourself how you have coped with this new, complicated environment. Have you adjusted well and been productive? Or is there an imprint inside the sofa cushions from sitting and watching Netflix all day and eating junk? Remember, the dragon is judging you, so be truthful with yourself.

“Think of a martial arts project you would love to pursue but couldn’t due to a lack of time. Now is your chance!” That’s what my Sensei told me in April. “Yes, don’t worry; I’ll be writing loads of articles. I’m going to use this time productively.” Fast forward two months later, and this is my first piece. I tell you this because facing our own truths is important.

These truths may make us appear less than the perfect selves we like to show the world. Whether you’re a martial artist or have just stumbled upon this work, the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and look within.

Embracing Our Struggles

As humans, we struggle with the coronavirus; however, as martial artists, it comes naturally to us. Throughout our training, we constantly criticize various parts of the syllabus. Kata can always improve, stances can always be stronger, and kicks can always be higher.

Therefore, when I reflect on my own shortcomings in productivity during this lockdown period, I can be honest with myself. It’s okay to say I can do better. I feel the dragon judging me. Remind me why I wanted to buy that again?

The Importance of Continuity and Familiarity

Having something stable in your life can be a wonderful thing, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve been training in karate for over 13 years. One constant throughout this pandemic has been my karate lessons. Every Thursday evening, no matter what happens, we log in to our online platform and train. This helps us connect with one another and gives us a sense of familiarity, grounding us.

When I traveled to Japan, I visited the Budo Centre and trained in the art of Kendo. The dojo was amazing. All four surrounding walls had huge sliding doors, allowing you to see into the courtyard from every side. When I arrived, the instructor was finishing a previous class by demonstrating a drill. Unsure of the etiquette for entering while a class was in session,

I stood by one of the entrances. Looking back, I realize that lurking around wasn’t the most appropriate decorum, but I was in the moment—what can I say? I hesitated after training at the JKA headquarters, where strict etiquette and protocol were always expected.

After class finished, the lady who had been the subject of the instructor’s demonstration came over. She removed her Men (a helmet used in Kendo), greeted me with a big smile, and ushered me inside. We talked about Kendo for a little while. She explained that she was the wife of the instructor and handled the administrative duties, as well as instructing alongside her husband.

At that moment, I felt instantly more comfortable, though I didn’t understand why until later. It was the familiarity of the situation. At my dojo, Sensei runs it with his wife, who handles the admin—what a coincidence! This may seem like a small detail, but that familiarity is essential during the coronavirus lockdown in this strange new world.

This routine provides not only comfort but also helps us adjust to the ‘new normal,’ a term the media coined during the pandemic. We must find that familiarity somewhere, whether through online training or Zoom calls with friends from work.

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Among the reflections I’ve had during this coronavirus period, one lesson stands out: it’s okay not to be okay. It’s perfectly fine to have days when you just want to sit and do nothing. My parents raised me with the mindset that if you’re not doing anything, you waste a day and miss an opportunity. But let me tell you, finishing a six-pack of donuts while watching TV from morning till night is definitely not doing nothing. Thank you very much!

Jokes aside, this is likely the only time in our lives when circumstances have forced us to do nothing. So why is there so much pressure to do something? Learn a new language, take up baking, exercise every day. I’ve decided to take advantage of this opportunity by not doing what I would normally do. Doing nothing actually counts as something.

This little practice called mindfulness involves focusing fully on the present and embracing the act of doing nothing. There are plenty of mindfulness activities out there. My favorite is sitting on my balcony at sunset. As the clouds drift by, I imagine myself standing on top of them and performing my favorite kata. It’s fun doing kata on top of a cloud; you should try it.

Reflections on My Return

The day I returned to my training at the dojo after coming back from Japan was a strange experience.I remember my Sensei asking how the trip went. He remarked, “I bet you’re feeling motivated and inspired after that trip! I know I felt that way when I went to Japan!” Nodding in agreement, I replied, “Oss, Sensei.”However, inside,

I wondered what was wrong with me. Instead of excitement or motivation, I actually felt a little deflated. When I visited Japan, I loved its martial arts culture. I felt inspired and invigorated by the respect I received; karate truly was a way of life! As I trained, I remember thinking that this is what karate is; the standard of students, the camaraderie amongst those of us who trained in the art, the culture—it really was something.

However, when I returned, I came back to the news that my last colleague in the class I had made the journey to Yudansha with had left. I became uninspired. I began to question if my training was where it should be. When I instructed, the students’ responses didn’t reflect the enthusiasm I had seen in Japan. I wanted to go back.

Months later, I realized the reason that I loved training in Japan so much wasn’t just the people, the culture, or the fact I was the last remaining student from my class. It was that I had completed the fairy tale that I’d always dreamt about: to one day train with masters in Japan and to sit with monks in secluded retreats contemplating the meaning of life. I had closed that chapter, and I needed new inspiration.

Finding New Goals

My challenge to you is to find something that inspires you and make it your goal to accomplish this regarding the situation of coronavirus. Dream big, as those are the ones that are truly inspirational and can change our lives. I’m still reflecting on what my next aspiration is within my training. Sensei always says, “I can open the door for you, but it’s up to you to walk through it.”

And he has opened a lot of doors; I have not gone through as many as I wanted to. I feel the dragon staring at me. I guess I have something else to reflect on then.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, I will say this: I’ve struggled to write something regarding this topic. I planned my original article to focus on advice like sleeping well, eating healthy, and avoiding stress. I think the reason I found that so difficult to write about was that it just wasn’t what I thought helped me. Let’s be honest, we all

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