I want us to do better
I want us to do better. Meaning I want us to be less self-interested. Meaning I want us to think of others, as well as look out for ourselves. What I have noticed as a result of COVID restrictions, COVID infections, and COVID fears, is that we seem to be more self-interested than in pre-pandemic times. As a result, we have a whole cohort of health-compromised people who have little freedom, forced to isolate themselves as much as possible due to the fact that the wider community holds no interest in protecting them against COVID. All of the children/babies who cannot be immunised have to remain relatively isolated. The elderly are the same. COVID is not going away, and just because we are “over it” doesn’t mean that infections will disappear.
We do know that approximately one in five people get Long Covid. We do not know what the impact of COVID will be over the next five to ten years. I wish we all read more widely, learning about the pitfalls and the precautions (simple simple simple) we could take as a community to slow down the spread.
But so many of us think the pandemic is over. But it is not. It is not over. A solution to this quandary? Radical self-compassion will open our hearts. Acknowledging our inner dragons, especially the dragon that thinks the world revolves around them.
I want us to do better. I want us to be better. And we can. I truly believe that:
For starters, we can MASK UP. MASK UP with N95/94 or P2 masks, not surgical masks (they do not protect these new variants). If this is all we do it will be enough to create change. Fit it well. Wear it well. Keep it on.
Meet and party with your friends outside, or in places with excellent ventilation. Certainly, Brisbane has loads of places with outside eating areas. In my area, there are two wonderful places to meet up: The Curious Caravan at Pullenvale Hall (Grandview Road) is one of the most delightful meeting places I have found: horses to watch, surrounded by green, wide-open spaces and good coffee and nibbles (check out their Facebook page. Opens at 6,30am and closes at 12). Brookfield Gardens (Moggill Road) has a restaurant (Wild Canary) with great breakfasts, morning teas, lunches etc, and you can eat outside.
Spend more time in nature: walks, cycling. When you visit Curious Caravan, just walk down the road to Pullenvale Reserve (on Pullenvale Road), a delightful (and easy) walk through the bush. If you visit Wild Canary walk across the road and walk through Rafting Ground Park.
Think longer term. We want this to be over. But it will never be over if we continue to pretend it no longer exists. We can still work, go to galleries, shop, attend theatres etc. IF WE MASK UP.
Lead by example. Don’t be put off by other people who are not wearing masks at a function. Our job as artists/creatives is to re-story what is happening right here, right now. We cannot wait for governments. We cannot wait for CEO’s. We cannot wait for Executive Directors. We need to do it ourselves. We need to be the example.
Lead from the Middle. Creatives do that so well.
Let’s turn this around. Let’s re-enchant our world.
Remember Margaret Mead:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”
We have a choice.