PERSONAL SPACE
Though it is not what we wished for, we are propelled through a pandemic that provides us with the gift of time. It is a gift that puts us alone with our thoughts, letting us contemplate about our past and the world around us. Are your thoughts comforting, frightening, insightful? Since most days pass less frantically, we have time to get to know ourselves better. Are you pleased with what you’ve discovered? Are you satisfied with your life? Do you look forward to the future and curious as to how you will adapt?
Saying hello to yourself can be an enlightening if somewhat conflicting experience. It means coming face to face with many things that define you? There will be things you are happy to acknowledge and celebrate and hidden parts you wish would stay buried forever. As you dig to find the essence of your being, it’s human to ask if you are like what you uncover. Once you accept who you are, you can lay plans to bring about the tomorrow you crave.
In June, as the weather warmed we looked forward to summer in hope that strands of virus would fly away like kites in the wind. We were surprised when to realize that Coronavirus had thoughts of its own. Though most of my friends were managing well, they were tired of communicating through ZOOM and ached to hug family and friends. Everyone wanted the pandemic to end.
FLYING HIGH
But it didn’t. So, we had to adjust and get into a rhythm that would last for many more months. Some occupied themselves by gardening, writing or painting. Energetic neighbors repaired roofs, painted walls, cleaned drains, and fixed broken windows. Those who were sports minded took long runs, bicycle rides, and hikes through the woods. People slowed down, relaxed, finding beauty in nature and peacefulness in silence.
SILENCE
In the midst of adjusting, a loud blast started a fire burning in our hearts. We felt injustice in a country that treats people unfairly. We saw images of hungry families standing for hours in food lines and passed homeless tents that seemed doubled in number. The sights were ones previously relegated to the Great Depression. Gun shots, lies, divisiveness, and news clips of police brutality kept us awake at night. As we watched buildings looted and set aflame the future no longer seemed beautiful and hopeful. Downtown streets shuttered and abandoned while citizens cried out to be heard. I felt bleak and drained. You told me that you felt sad and miserable. Those raised to think the world was getting better, cried tears in empathy and distress.
THREE SUNS
But, though I was disturbed, I experimented with a new style of painting, finished writing my third book and was engaged in science and art projects with two young immigrant children who call me grandma. Despite wearing masks, I enjoy having neighbors visit on my front porch and am pleased that I’ve gotten to know them better. Solitary walks in the forest give me time to think and decide what I am going to do and write about tomorrow. There is so much I want to accomplish.
The seeds of change being planted throughout the nation bode well for the future. Discussions and legislation moving forward will reform community policing. There is a heightened recognition that additional resources are needed provide social and health services for the mentally ill and physically addicted. Organizations and clubs started making changes in their policies in order to increase racial diversity among members. Several people stopped their cars at dusk to offer assistance to an African-American friend of mine whose bicycle tire was flat. Before they would have given him wide berth.
Social media sites have acknowledged the damage that happens when lies and falsehoods are spread for political gain. Best of all, they are doing something about it. High schools are teaching students to fact check and question what they read in texts and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. With so many lies “whispered down the lane,” it is hard to know what to believe. Teachers tell students that it is up to each one of them to delve into what they read and find the truth. They have the time.
No longer silent, people spoke out when the postal service was undermined by those who want it privatized and want to create distrust in the results of next election. Health professionals learned to spread their reach by communicating to patients online. And, electric cars are being purchased in record numbers despite oil companies getting access to drill in the Arctic. Oil is on the way out. Young people are participating in politics and are active in the environmental movement. Though last week, the EPA reduced air pollution requirements to make it easier for coal plants to operate, I don’t think people will let it slide through without a fight. Coal is on the way out.
Yes, we will get through this pandemic and one day it will recede to the back of our minds like a dream, but not without changes. New jobs will be created for those who will continue to work from home. With fewer cars on the road I imagine road rage and pollution will decrease. Web based health care will continue.
People will learn how to adapt to change or perish. It is not alway easy, but eventually they will start to look beyond today and reimagine the future. As you get know yourself better and consider what you want to do next, use the blank canvas the pandemic provides to create opportunity. Sequestered, with no one to tell you what to think or do, there is much to decide.
GALLERY
To see art go to Eichingerfineart.com. For information you can contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com.
