Pearce
Jedi Master
Just wanted to say a big "Thank you!" to everyone on this forum, Laura and the Chateau crew, and for all of the testimony in this thread that has helped me find and keep a centeredness over the years and especially through this recent Covid-19 madness. I've not posted much at all, but I've been following, reading, and doing my best to apply the concepts to my life and interactions for almost ten years now it seems, and I only wish I had found the courage, or whatever the missing piece was, to contribute more to such an amazing group, and who knows, perhaps there is still time for that.
In any event, I'm reporting from Austin, TX, where it's like having one foot in one reality and the other in, well, another. I was laid off on Tuesday of this week from the hotel/hospitality sector, and so it's mostly been a quiet week at home doing what I can to prepare for whatever may be coming. A large percentage of the people I know personally are in the "stick your head in the sand" group, however strangers I encounter seem to be of the "why is everyone freaking out over something so harmless?" group. Fortunately I haven't encountered the true authoritarians yet, but I know I will eventually. Nevertheless, in the town I live near about 20 miles from the city limits, there is/has been a noticeable shortage of supplies in the stores. I make it a point to smile and tell any workers I encounter 'thank you' and that I am grateful for their continued efforts, which without fail, produces such an unanticipated response from them, as if I'm the only human to have said something nice and uplifting to them in days. It's a sad and sobering thought that there are many people who will be dragged down along with the negativity when they themselves aren't feeding the frenzy, but instead are trying to keep people fed. At the moment it's all I know to do - sharing compassion and a piece of humanity, though I feel there is something much bigger that can be done, I just have no words for what.
Still unsure what to gather from our Texas "leadership" as it seems they are reluctant to go too far too fast, but business and schools are definitely closing/have closed. All bars and restaurants either are closed or are take out/delivery only. Just waiting for the signal that quarantine is necessary. Oh, they were trying to scare us now that a doctor has supposedly caught it, but what else is new. As my cousin says "great, then that doctor should know exactly what he needs to do to survive!" I laughed hard at that one.
I have also felt something different in the air. It is very palpable, and for all intents and purposes I am situated in nature (2 acres of green land with riverfront access) so I can't contribute it to any 'city effects.' Over the last few days I've planted a new garden, which provides nothing but an aesthetical boost to morale, but digging my hands into the earth right as Spring approaches helped me be at ease with the news of being laid off, and gave me something new to love each day. It may have been MLK that said "if the world were to end tomorrow, today I'd plant a tree," but that sentiment keeps coming into my mind lately.
Lastly, I remembered that I had this article bookmarked and thought it may come in handy in the days ahead.
"When all else fails, just remember to breathe" is what I keep reminding myself. Looking forward to being a part of building a new reality, even if the part I end up playing is smaller than I thought, someone has to play it! (My inner trumpet player ego speaking )
Godspeed to all of you, and may we all ignite our lighthouses that will pierce the darkness and forge a new path
In any event, I'm reporting from Austin, TX, where it's like having one foot in one reality and the other in, well, another. I was laid off on Tuesday of this week from the hotel/hospitality sector, and so it's mostly been a quiet week at home doing what I can to prepare for whatever may be coming. A large percentage of the people I know personally are in the "stick your head in the sand" group, however strangers I encounter seem to be of the "why is everyone freaking out over something so harmless?" group. Fortunately I haven't encountered the true authoritarians yet, but I know I will eventually. Nevertheless, in the town I live near about 20 miles from the city limits, there is/has been a noticeable shortage of supplies in the stores. I make it a point to smile and tell any workers I encounter 'thank you' and that I am grateful for their continued efforts, which without fail, produces such an unanticipated response from them, as if I'm the only human to have said something nice and uplifting to them in days. It's a sad and sobering thought that there are many people who will be dragged down along with the negativity when they themselves aren't feeding the frenzy, but instead are trying to keep people fed. At the moment it's all I know to do - sharing compassion and a piece of humanity, though I feel there is something much bigger that can be done, I just have no words for what.
Still unsure what to gather from our Texas "leadership" as it seems they are reluctant to go too far too fast, but business and schools are definitely closing/have closed. All bars and restaurants either are closed or are take out/delivery only. Just waiting for the signal that quarantine is necessary. Oh, they were trying to scare us now that a doctor has supposedly caught it, but what else is new. As my cousin says "great, then that doctor should know exactly what he needs to do to survive!" I laughed hard at that one.
I have also felt something different in the air. It is very palpable, and for all intents and purposes I am situated in nature (2 acres of green land with riverfront access) so I can't contribute it to any 'city effects.' Over the last few days I've planted a new garden, which provides nothing but an aesthetical boost to morale, but digging my hands into the earth right as Spring approaches helped me be at ease with the news of being laid off, and gave me something new to love each day. It may have been MLK that said "if the world were to end tomorrow, today I'd plant a tree," but that sentiment keeps coming into my mind lately.
Lastly, I remembered that I had this article bookmarked and thought it may come in handy in the days ahead.
Press Release - World Health Organization Questions Vaccine Safety
“In Medical school, you’re lucky if you have a half day on vaccines, never mind keeping up to date with all of it.” – Prof Heidi Larson, PhD. Director Vaccine Confidence Project
avn.org.au
"When all else fails, just remember to breathe" is what I keep reminding myself. Looking forward to being a part of building a new reality, even if the part I end up playing is smaller than I thought, someone has to play it! (My inner trumpet player ego speaking )
Godspeed to all of you, and may we all ignite our lighthouses that will pierce the darkness and forge a new path