Are you wondering how to make sense of this moment when responses to disease are widely varied? There are two main types of natural responses: fear and care. You will likely vacillate between both, but when you notice the signals that one is more dominant, then you can better navigate this moment.

I felt the fear and panic while walking through the main train station in New York City. It was quiet. Eerily quiet. It’s not the early morning or holiday quiet because there were plenty of people walking around, but they were barely speaking.

I heard a woman yell, “Don’t cough on me.” And afterward the silence felt more pronounced as people’s eyes dart around not wanting to get caught worrying.

We’re in a pandemic, and people don’t know what to do. Which is rising anxiety that could fracture communities. But the other crisis response allows for something to happen.

People are reaching out for help. My phone screen is loaded with questions and thoughtful responses, as people reach out to create an environment of care with advice work working online, natural health remedies, and education about what is happening.

People are talking about their differences out loud and getting respect - an equity facilitator’s dream. People are sharing about their families different health and economic needs, while also helping each other think through solutions. As people self-quarantine, they also say out loud how they are respecting other people’s choices to leave home.

How are you seeing life go on during this pandemic? Are you absorbed in the fear and tension, or are you watching the beautiful community responses. When you choose to focus on people helping each other, you are more likely to amplify that behavior when you interact with others.

Comment below with one way you are seeing people come together to support each other during this time. Let’s help each other reduce stress and stay present.