The people and news outlets writing about returning to the "new normal" are marketing an idea that they hope for. Many bubbles of people are plying their trade /craft through work at home via the internet. It's likely that some of those long for the "new normal" come from a fear-based philosophy so to return to it is a way to assuage their fears.

As humans our organism / ego/ self/ seeks comfort and avoids adversity. Perhaps those extolling the new normal are people who are not as affected by the pandemic as those living in the street.

Certainly this is a complex problem of which your excellent ideas could help point us in a good direction - points 1-6 at the end.

Responds to 1 - 6

1. As part of my 40 year practice I reflect, contemplate my privileges often and what I take for granted

2. I have recently - within the last month or two begun to look at the silver lining between me, my friends and my sister.

3. Even before the pandemic I have changed many of my habits towards sustainability. I could do more.

4. I am speaking / praising friends and accentuating the positive.

5. I try to stretch myself here more and more. I could do more.

6. I am intrinsically happy from within. Happiness doesn't depend on what I do or don't do. And I am looking at whether the comings and goings of my emotional states have inadvertently harmed / hurt someone else.

Thank-you for these probing questions