Deep Work
The time ahead is for sure a curious period with many of us guessing and again for sure with very little certainty ahead. At the beginning of the start of this pandemic, a glimpse of hope flourished on how we will change after this message of Nature, and that for sure human being will learn many lessons of modesty, friendship, solidarity etc. On the course of the growth of the troubles, it somehow proved otherwise, with borders closing, nations expected to help one another being not only reluctant but nearly distanced, and strong signs of homophobia ever more evident in the air.
We need to clarify that this situation is not the result of the pandemic, if not one of the main reasons of it becoming such a difficult issue to tackle. In the sense that rather mediocre policies recently gaining ground globally ranging between autocratic inclinations to downright fascism, are in the roots of the reason why we cannot act against a problem common to all mankind, under a united structure or organization. Now at the more mature phase of the “big problem”, the foremost critical value will be, empathy the ability to put oneself in the shoes of another. No matter how difficult things may get, we need to address it with fortitude and with our humanity intact.
In this respect, it will be critical to rid oneself off from the worries on the existing moment’s troubles and anxieties, but create a narrative for a new future with a mind of calmness, only this way we may imagine a poignant alliance with today’s dark and harsh realities and tomorrow’s narrative as a more respectful existence of our species in the planet that we inhabit.
Looking for a new narrative needs new methods of organization, new levels of awareness and consciousness, a new perspective on conscience, new references on morality and culture, that will result in a new system of values and daily practices. Though we may not change the world as individuals, our personally unique way of aspiring a new life, communicating it, collaborating within our small societal organizations such as families, friends, in companies we work with, will start the change, trigger hope, and this time not from top down, but from bottom up.
The change will flourish gradually, in the sense of local initiatives, but this time which can connect globally via all social media instruments and a web of yet unorganized relations of people alike around the world. Despite the mediocre political language reminding us of our differences, we will find out that we have much more similarities than that we would have imagined. People around the world originating from very different cultural references, will find out much more issues of common interest, than that of topics of conflict. A new narrative can guide us on the way of becoming better neighbors.
Following this period of transition, coming back to the workplace is also inevitable, though not with the same conditions as before. The new conditions will mean, being emphatic about all the workforce, on their levels of anxiety, the conditions of hygiene and the physical set up that would allow the necessary social distancing.
The magic will be, providing all these protective measures and still allowing for the necessary social interaction, that is the stamina of human progress. We as humans are better when we interact, socialize, share ideas and debate on them, thus innovate and create.
So the critical question is how can we help each other in these times? Our initial and very simple answers are; by showing respect, empathy, by being informed and informing each other correctly, by respecting the reality of the times, understanding the needs of the society at large and finding relevant answers, that is beyond the frivolous language of design mannerism, but definitely by methods of design thinking. In the high time of social distancing, we can surely manage to become better neighbors.
To finalize my introduction, I wish to quote one of my favorite Orchestra Chief Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a sentence I read and never forget from a cover of his Beethoven Symphonies recordings; True beauty can only be found at the edge of catastrophe.
Deep Work
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