As people are forced back into themselves while they 'self-isolate' and 'social distance' I expect many will simply lose the plot. Most find this staying at home and enforced introspection 'unnaturally' uncomfortable. Humans do everything they possibly can to avoid being alone, being silent, going inwards. Not me. This is my natural state.
Western culture is so adept at enabling self-distraction. It not only supports it, it applauds it. Western economies rely on it. Capitalism is built on self-avoidance and entertainment. There's something quite wrong with you if you prefer to be alone and just be.
But I do prefer to be alone, in nature, away from all the distractions so many others seek out and think they need. This period in time - before the devastation of the pandemic really hits in Australia - is pure bliss. I hate the world of noise and activity, I hate the culture I live in - it causes me untold stress and suffering. There's always been something wrong with me because I just don't fit. Except now. I fit now. What does that say about me? Or does it say something about the world we have grown to accept as normal. It's not normal - it's insanity. People rushing around the globe doing what? Producing what? Not food, not culture, not sustenance for the soul. Chasing stuff, and more stuff and 'experience' - which isn't the same as knowledge.
I reckon people are freaking out so much about this virus because deep down they know the madness had to stop. Lots of people were feeling it but they were just hanging on trying to cope, trying to get some financial security. Someone said to me the other day: I thought I had more time. Now the stock market and housing are crashing, superannuation, which I have never trusted or invested in, indeed the whole pack of cards is tumbling down. And I am in my element. I am pumped - because finally, FINALLY afer waiting all my life - I can see an end to this bloody madness. I'm just really distressed so many people are suffering, and will suffer - maybe even me.
The quiet beauty of the earth returns. Yes, a moment we have been waiting for. I did not anticipate it would come with a global pandemic. Somehow I thought it would be a war or famine. It will break my heart when the virus hits refugee camps, places without the soap and hot water that I rely on a million times a day. We may all suffer, but always those with the least will suffer the most. If only I could figure out a way to make this virus only strike the rich and powerful, I would clap my hands and do cartwheels across the universe. It's a good thing we hermits have always known how to do the shelter in place stuff. Stay well there.
ReplyDeleteYes Robin - I thought the change would be enforced by climate change and that I had to wait a while longer. This is out of the blue for me.
DeleteAnd agreed - I've been waiting for the virus to get into Africa. It's there now and who knows what will happen. Indonesia has now been hit. With the lack of sanitation and huge numbers of people it can only end badly. Hand to mouth existences mean they just can't stop like we can in the West. They have to go to work in crowded markets and public transport.
Apart from going to work last Thursday, I haven't had contact with anyone face to face in 6 days. Still gobsmacked that education in the prison is considered 'essential activity' when it isn't normally supported as such. Except for management of inmates which may mean that now it is essential.
I think that when we all get our shit together, there will be some excellent philosophizing about how we live.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right Sarah. I'm taking notes becasue my head is so full of ideas about this period in time.
DeleteOn a good day I hope that this whole thing will provoke a re-evaluation of everything and by every body, today I'm having a crummy day so my dim view of humanity is at the forefront and I doubt anything will get better
ReplyDeleteMe too Kylie. I was feeling pretty optimistic until yesterday when the thought came to me that we would all just go back to the way things were BV (before the virus). It is really encouraging watching the rise of backyard veggie growers on social media though - asking about how to grow stuff and swapping seeds and information.
DeleteI hope the climate scientists are working overtime to document how the earth is renewing itself in the time of reduced human activity. This could be very useful going forward.
ReplyDeleteWe are 'forced' to look inward and to look at how our footprint affects the planet. Imagine if people stopping flying around the world a couple of times of year in search of the perfect vacation. The Venice canals might just stay clean. Imagine a ban on cruise ships! Oh, Joy!
We sure do trash up this lovely blue orb in the pursuit of escaping from ourselves.
Tara there is already evidence of the beneficial effects of the world economy slowing. I just hope we don't revert to type when it's all over. And yes, I am very critical of those who spend a lot of their lives flying all over the globe - my own family included.
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