Lock Down

     Think of this as a worldwide social experiment to show once and for all how connected we all are.  We are now seeing first hand just how well – or poorly – society functions when we all must stay six to eight feet apart from each other.

     There are already all sorts of experiments demonstrating that times of heightened stress (or even just uncertainty) are the times that we seek out others to be with the most.  And, well.  See above regarding needing to keep a certain amount of physical distance between ourselves and everybody else for an undefined length of time.

     I would rather refer to this current social practice as “physical” distancing, not “social” distancing.  To paraphrase what I recently heard a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders say:  You can still have that conversation with your neighbor.  It will do wonders for that anxiety.  Just don’t be right up in each other’s’ faces when you do so.

     Oh, sure.  There is Face Book.  E-Mail. Face time things like Zoom and such.  Even a two word text:  “I’m bored” is a way of reaching out.  But I am a little anti-tech, much to the amusement/ chagrin of my family.  I’m much more intrigued, inspired even, by the old school ways people are using to stay connected.  An old custom in Italy is being revitalized.  People are lowering food baskets from their balconies.  On its way down (and presumably back up again) neighbors are donating what they can or taking what they may need.  When not doing that, they are singing from their balconies to entertain each other.

     In this country, and surely elsewhere, those that used to drive tourists around in horse drawn rides are now hitching up their animals to take supplies to area folks in need.  This also gives the opportunity for both human and horse to get out and get a little exercise.  Bonus.

     But it is not just physical health we need to be mindful of.  How are you looking after your mental health in these strange times? 

     My employer finally managed to get at least some of us set up to work from home.  Not having to worry about the when or where of my next paycheck is amazingly wonderful. But, full disclosure: the days are starting to run together a bit.  I have two crochet projects and a pitch to put together to another book publisher.  

     Somehow, though, I am having a hard time staying motivated to do those things.  Yesterday was the first time I left the apartment grounds in a week.  My hands are raw from all the washing.  I have had to remind myself to take a shower.  It feels like it will always be like this: dry hands. Having things delivered as much as possible.  The boredom of long weekends without much to do besides clean.  My cat is the most wonderful cat ever, but she’s not much of a conversationalist.  

     It feels like it will go on like this forever – but it won’t.  Experts are saying that what we’re doing now is working.  We just got to keep it up for a while yet to make sure it keeps working.  There is an end date, but it is just not clear when it will be.  

     In the meantime, I’ll look out at the springtime trees blooming.  Count the days until it will be time to fill the hummingbird feeder, continue to have one-sided talks with my fur child and rely on Facebook, texts and emails to keep up with family until we can hang out in person.  I’ll drag out yarn and hook – and maybe experiment with lowering a basket of flowers to my neighbor below me. :)

What about you?