In Times Like These We’re Reminded of What Really Matters
For about a week now, I’ve been mulling over how to address this situation because it leaves me saddened and speechless.
Even if I’m used to writing about topics that makes me sad or “have no words” such as poaching, trophy hunting, bear bile extraction, shark finning, plastic pollution, etc.
This is different though as it directly affects everyone on this planet.
We’re ALL — for the very first time — in the same boat.
And so, we have to deal with this the best we can and try to keep our sanity.
Speaking of keep our sanity, our friends at Trip Outside put together a list of 10 really cool things you can do to stay sane and active while social distancing.
Lockdown Weirdness
Being on lockdown is just plain weird.
Weird to be forced to slow down.
I remember being forced to not work or be active during pregnancy which turned out to be one of the most peaceful times of my life. And guess what? My baby daughter couldn’t have been more calm and content during her first year of life.
It’s also weird to be forced to spend quality time with your family.
Why are these things weird?
Because they’re supposed to be normal but are often uncommon that it feels foreign when we’re exposed to them.
So, while I feel a bit saddened and speechless, I’m also trying to see the good things that will hopefully come out of it.
During a crisis, I concentrate on the things I’m grateful for: (in your tweet, list your own things)
For example, mine would be: My family & friends, nature, flora and fauna, a strong community, salt whirlpool baths, peanut butter, music, laughter, beer and pasta.
What are you grateful for? And … GO!
Hope for a Better World
The other day, while driving back from a fairly crowded grocery store, I saw a few couples holding hands while walking in the sunshine.
I watched people walking their dogs during unusual dog walking hours.
I’m hearing about people spontaneously meeting via video conference because social contact — as opposed to social distancing — is so very important right now.
I’m reading about the creative and unbelievable help being offered, for instance:
- Getting groceries or walking the dog for the elderly and vulnerable in isolation. Here’s a list of helpers and those in need.
- LMVH, a fashion brand in France, is now making hand sanitizer in its perfume factories and plans to distribute it for free to French public authorities.
- A man in a store offering half of his bag of toilet paper rolls to a woman in a line who didn’t get any.
- Small service-based businesses offering free consultations to help struggling small businesses.
If you need help in your state in the US, here’s an extensive list. A few international links are located on the bottom of this .pdf too.
Not only that, I’m seeing more kindness, love and gratitude on social media.
Along with your occasional meme about toilet paper hamstering and rationing.
Hey, don’t laugh, I didn’t get any at the store! BUT, I got beer, so I’m good!
This gives me hope. Not necessarily the beer, but the fact that all of this reminds me of what I’m grateful for.
For my loved ones, much-needed downtime, nature and a strong community.
During any crisis, we realize the importance of these things. And reflect on how we can prevent a future crises. How?
By respecting Mother Nature and all she takes care of.
Bear with me, I’ll only stop saying that when I don’t need to anymore.
Perhaps when things ‘get back to normal’, we’ll be able to remember all of this and take a closer look at our lives and how we want to live it.
And how we want to leave it for future generations.
When in crisis mode, it’s important to appreciate those things that truly matter.
Slowing Down with a Willow
A few months ago, I entered — and didn’t win — an eco poetry contest from Plumwood Mountain, an Australian eco poetry journal.
The task was to write a poem from the point of view of a flora species, or flora in general, and so I chose a weeping willow to be my protagonist.
Because when I think of a willow tree, I automatically think of slowing down. Just watching their leaves flow in the wind helps us breathe deeper and slower, just like walking in the forest.
Full disclosure: I’m not a poet nor claim to know what I’m doing when it comes to poetry, but I can confidently say that it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever written.
When I wrote the poem, COVID-19 was unknown to most of us, but I feel it may help you find peace and calmness during this crisis.
Accompanied by taking walks in nature, spending quality time with your family and just enjoy being present.
Wishing you and your family good health and no worries!
