This is what I heard yesterday on KSL radio and then I read it in a Deseret News article by Boyd Matheson:
The novel coronavirus, along with an earthquake in Utah, have changed many things for many people.
It is the phrase that seems to be everywhere around the world. Whenever bad news is delivered or a change in current behavior is required, anyone can simply look thoughtful and say, “Well, this is just the new normal.”
Are we entering a massive new normal? No! It isn’t a new normal. It is just a “new now.”
This isn’t to minimize the impact of what is clearly a
serious situation. We are experiencing some mighty changes in our daily
living. But the “new now” — not the new normal — is the right and proper
way to minimize the angst, stress and fear of it all.
One of the greatest challenges within the current situation now facing
America and the world is the uncertainty and anxiety that arises in the
absence of proper perspective. The “new normal” commentary suggests
things will continue this way in perpetuity. If you buy into that
thinking, you are much more likely to panic rather than prepare, react
rather than respond, and be driven by fear rather than faith.
Remember, it is against the laws of nature and nature’s God that a storm
continues forever. Even the fiercest wind, in the most violent storm,
eventually subsides. Stillness follows and a moment of calm confidence
comes. The most resilient of beings — human beings — adapt and move
forward one “new now” at a time.
Finding, and even creating, stillness in the present is important and
possible. Finding stillness in the perpetually uncertain is nearly
impossible.
During difficult days, our chasing — mental or physical — often exhausts
us and causes us to stress out, give up or cave in. In the context of
the current coronavirus crisis, we see this manifest in panic buying,
massive amounts of misinformation being shared on social media and
shoppers hoarding supplies. It is also seen in irritability,
hopelessness and depression.
Living in the “new now” puts us in control of our
emotions and ensures we focus on the things we can do today. It is
difficult to rally to a perpetual “new normal,” but people can wrap
their heads around the idea of rallying to take on a “new now”.
Yes, school will restart, healthy communities will be
restored, restaurants will return, sporting events with big crowds will
thankfully arise. High school dances, international travel, religious
gatherings, high-fives and big hugs will all resume.
While suffering will be present in what feels like a dark
and discouraging national and international moment, a magnificent
forward-moving morning of stillness and newfound strength will follow,
bringing with it yet another “new now” for all of us to embrace.
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