Undone

In this time of great uncertainty, people are rising to spread good information and even cheer.  Stacey Harvey Brown yesterday posted a lovely video where she talked about these times of great change and that we can use this time to think about how we want to be once this pandemic is over.

When the caterpillar creates its cocoon, does it know the beautiful creature that will emerge once it dissolves into genetic soup and recombines into a butterfly?  Does it have any thought other than that it must make that cocoon as the next step? 

As human beings we are self aware.  Mostly.  As human beings we are incredibly adaptable.  On the other hand?  We don't like change - most of us.  We fight to hang on to what we know, keep the status quo, call on 'tradition'. 

And yet.  And yet.

Yes, things are frightening right now.  We have gotten so used to herd immunity, we are at a loss now that we are being confronted by a disease to which there is no herd immunity.  The only recourse is to isolate ourselves from the spread of the virus as best we can until it runs out of hosts and eventually dies.

In the meantime researchers are scrambling to try and find a medication that will moderate the effects of the disease.  Health workers are scrambling trying to help those who are ill with it.  Scientists are trying to develop a vaccine - but that will be months in the making.

Politicians are trying (for the most part) to help us during the immediate crunch of the distancing and economic devastation that is happening because - for the most part - people are staying home and trying to stay well.

This isn't some small, isolated disease but a pandemic.  It will travel the globe, it will attack anyone, regardless of political bent, economic status, or some kind of artificial 'worthiness' rating.

Right now we need to not panic.  We need to not hoard things.  We need to help each other.  We are going to need each and every one of us when this is over to help in the recovery.

Follow the guidelines as outlined by medical health officers like Dr. Henry here in BC.

Stay home.  Do not be hanging out at the mall or going to parties.  Do go outside for walks, observing safe physical distancing.  At least six feet.  Cough into your sleeve.  Wash your hands.  With soap.  For at least 20 seconds.

Stay connected with friends remotely.  Most of us have phones, ipads or computers we can connect to the internet.

Read a book.  Enjoy a hobby you don't have time for in your 'real' life. If you are able, get some exercise.  Hold light for others who may be struggling.

If you are struggling, remember the analogy of the choir.  The choir as a whole holds a note for a long time by having individuals stop to take a breath, then come back in on the note when they are able.

We are a choir.  We can take a breath when we need to do so.