Hello “Business As Usual”. I’m Over You.
It’s no secret that we’re in completely unprecedented territory. Corona has made us its bitch and we’re globally forced to look at what’s been in front of us for a long time. A wool-over-our-eyes attitude coupled with a false sense of “security” that comes from having it all — access to whatever we want — whenever we want it — at the click of a button.
We experience life as though it’s a reality show where whatever’s happening in current events is used light chit chat or a reason to add a filter over our face to show how much we care. And just as quickly as the tragedy appears, it disappears from our minds and our hearts — like it never happened. The news runs constantly in the background as we hear of lives vanished, communities ruined, and profits over humanity — all while pouring our morning cup of coffee.
The world has become increasingly imbalanced and sadly it appears as though many people have grown calloused to it all. I’m not talking that acute type of callous, I’m talking that one that grows slowly — layer by hardened layer which before you know it, is so dense and toughened that it can only be remedied by drastic measures. I’m not saying this is done maliciously but more so unknowingly because we’ve usually all got our own things going on, right?
During these past few years we’ve been getting intensifying sneak peeks into the power of mother nature — hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis- like a parade of red flags. And it continues to feel like no one is listening, that is, unless it happens in their back yard. And even then, it’s a fleeting thought.
My great grandfather on my mother’s side had a saying and the general gist goes something like this — “the pepper doesn’t burn unless it’s up your ass.” Meaning that something doesn’t hurt unless you’re the one experiencing it. I’ve always seen that saying as a gangsta approach to empathy which can only come from the wisdom of older generations — straight from the north of Brasil where often a sense of community was all they had. While I’ve been an empath since the day I dropped into this world, I reflect on this way of thinking often and it’s never felt as relevant as it does now.
The pepper is in our ass now people — one big, communal, in-our-face global pepper and if I had to find a silver lining it’s that we’re finally paying attention. For the most part we‘re seeing that what happens to those around us affects us all- whether we’re divided by yards, communities, or countries. It saddens me that people are suffering physically and financially, but it seems like unless something globally catastrophic happens, we continue with business as usual.
To those of you who are on the front lines. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can only imagine what it’s like to put your life in jeopardy tirelessly while having to maintain a safe distance from your loved ones. Thank you to the medical professionals and hospital staff, grocery workers, janitors and cleaning crews and all those who risk themselves in the name of helping.
To those who haven’t gotten the memo on the gravity of this situation- I’m over you. Yes, you:
The person who STILL doesn’t understand the concept of social distancing. To put it in basic terms, the longer you don’t abide by it: the longer people will have to risk their lives to saves others, the longer people who don’t have the option to work from home or collect unemployment will suffer. It’s shocking to see how many people are still convening in close clusters or in shopping centers that don’t include grocery stores. Cabin fever — I get it but seriously- find a hobby.
The person who doesn’t have the empathy to recognize that hoarding a mountain of whatever has disappeared at your local market (toilet paper, really?) means others will very likely go without. The bottom line is that you can’t eat toilet paper and by hoarding items you don’t need, you are perpetuating the self-centered goblin infused in our society. I understand you feel anxious, I do too — but a little mindfulness goes a long way.
The person who chooses to complain about all the banalities. Oh your Amazon delivery is going to take longer than two days? That’s too bad. If I remember correctly, we made it through hundreds of thousands of years without instant gratification and as much as I’m a fan of convenience, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna make it through this.
In my humble opinion I think we can shine a positive light on this situation by remembering what’s important and doing our part, which is going to look different for each person.
I hope that it includes:
Being mindful of how our actions affect those around us. Ripple effect times ten. Do you want to be someone who helps or hinders?
Helping and serving in whatever ways we can. Not everyone needs to be on the front lines, but delivering groceries to those who are deeply affected can be a start.
Supporting each other and connecting. I’m talking about real connections, not likes. Y’all know that liking someone’s post is not connecting, right? Take the time to call someone and ask how they’re feeling right now. Listen. Give the most precious gift of all which is your time and presence.
And at the end of the day, if you’re not going to play a part in the solution — at least stay out of the way of those that are. We’re all works-in-progress so I’m not here to reprimand, I’m simply asking for a little mindfulness so we can all make it through this with our bodies, minds, and hearts intact.