It’s a small world. We are all connected by the internet. And pandemics. In the last decades our tightly connected world has seen the spread of SARS, Swine Flu, MERS, Ebola, and now COVID-19, the worst pandemic as far as I can remember. This raging virus has brought the world to a standstill and caused many of us to succumb to stress in the face of uncertainty. It seems the fear of the virus may be worse than the disease itself. Even the most optimistic amongst us cannot remain stoic witnessing the spiraling public anxiety. Through the past week of social distancing and staying at home, facing my fear daily, one song keeps playing in my head:
“The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be overwhelmed by fear.”
These words of wisdom come from Rabbi Nachman of Braslaw, a great Hasidic rabbi in Uman, Ukraine, 1772-1810. My mental image of the narrow bridge is those unnerving crossings of plank suspension bridges that can be found in many hiking trails around the world. Most recently, I had to cross two of those when hiking the W-Trek in Torres del Paine. It was on day three of the trek hiking to the Grey Glacier viewpoint, one of the main highlights of the W-Trek. Crossing the first suspension bridge felt like I was walking just above the glacier. At the end of crossing the second, I was rewarded with an amazing view of the glacier. Everyone in our group would tell you that these two bridges were solid and low; nothing to worry about. But I have vertigo, so I was anxious and afraid. They didn’t seem all that secure to me. Whenever I come across a suspension bridge on a trail, it feels like the moment of truth is upon me – to cross, or not to cross, that is the question.
When I get to a narrow bridge on a trail, I am always nervous and afraid. But to date, never once did I turn around and failed to complete a hike. I always remind myself that it’s a temporary situation; something that is worthwhile to endure in order to get to other side and enjoy the many wonderful views. I won’t be afraid! Suspension bridges, I am coming for you! Although they reduce me to jelly, narrow bridges do make for crazy adventures and great memories. I have found that actively fighting my fear makes the panic less intense. I’ve learned to not look down into the abyss and instead focus my sight on a fixed point in the distance putting one foot in front of the other until I make it safely to the other side. The danger may be real or imaginary, only in my own panicky mind, but fear is a choice. And the main thing for me, in life and out on the trail, is to keep on going, to move forward, and to joyfully look for beauty around me.
Humanity is now on a very narrow bridge. We are facing a big and scary challenge. We are living in a fearful time, globally. And to follow Rabbi Nachman’s advice, the secret to overcoming hard times is to not let fear stop us from crossing that narrow bridge. For some of us Coronavirus has created concrete fear in a physical way of being sick, or being at higher risk of getting sick because of a job supporting the community or saving lives. For others, it is the fear of layoffs, no work, and loss of income. And for all of us it is the concern about long-term effects of the global outbreak and its human and economic impact. We are all impacted. Even if for now we can only see the storm clouds gathering and not yet be woken up to big trouble knocking at our “shelter-at-home” door. We are right in front of that mile-high, wobbly, swinging bridge. Close your eyes. What does your fear feel like? What are you most afraid of?
Yes, there’s reason to be afraid and feel overwhelmed. But there’s also hope. Close your eyes again and imagine the brightest star in the sky. Think of one thing that gives you hope. What is your greatest motivation to get to the other side of the bridge? Choose courage and chart your crossing. You will cross that bridge! There is meaning in our lives. In tough times, whatever our personal loss has been, we can still find ways to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous, to support those who are more adversely affected. Focus on the next right thing, go a step further. Reach out inwardly and to loved ones and let’s all metaphorically hold hands until we reach the other side of the bridge.
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