Right NOW

Recent events make it clear that irony is the bedrock of the human condition. Since the sixties poplar psychologists , geriatric specialists and a host of others have posited that our health-our quality of life- can be predicted by the number and quality of our human contacts. Now, in a flash of irony we are asked to do the opposite, to distance ourselves from each other in the interests of the greater good. We are in a counter-intuitive place and it is little wonder that we are flummoxed and afraid. What was said to be considered a phobia (agoraphobia) is now adaptive and recommended to enhance our health. We have fallen into the sky.

We are more than a bit lost but we also possess a built-in, spiritual interferon. We can use this time of forced isolation in a positive way. For most of us, what Thich Nhat Hanh said applies, ” right now, we are still alive and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.” Yes…but for how long? Fear is manifestly at our elbow; the elbow we now use to greet each other. In these times our attitudes certainly vary.

We see some approaching the times with gallows humor, denial, xenophobia and other negative positions; others re-commit to service, double their efforts to understand the ramifications of a pandemic and generally soldier on.

I see an opportunity in our forced distancing and it has to do with our interior lives. This uncomfortable isolation gives us time to think, to become mindful and question ourselves. Like a religious-or corporate-retreat it give us the space to review or recreate our personal mission statement. It gives us a space to strengthen our spiritual immune system and enquire about the things that truly matter. While we act responsibly in our new social contract by isolating ourselves, we might also see some deep truths made manifest. Viruses replicate in a human host and ideas do as well. Time to consider our personal ideas is an opportunity. As the poet said “amputation becomes acquisition.”

I hope we use the time well. Beach walks, reading, meditation…whatever you do…do it well.

Perhaps we will get to the place described by Gertrude Stein when she said, “everything is so dangerous that nothing is really frightening. “

Hope you can be of good cheer and soldier on.