Today would have been the last day of lockdown. And I must
admit; I am quite relieved that it isn't. Not for the obvious reasons
that there are still too many infections occurring, because people refused
to adhere to a simple directive. Not because of the absolute selfishness of
those having parties and roaming the streets regardless of some very real
threats. And not because I am lucky enough to have stocked up on everything but
wine. And not because I am still perfecting the facemask I will be obliged to
wear when lockdown ends, and necessity puts me out of my home.
But because the house I live in
and struggled to fall in love with when I moved here has become my safe haven,
my cocoon from the world. I have a warm bed in which to sleep, a hot shower and
a garden to sit in, undisturbed for as long as I like. I have also
discovered the joy of grocery shopping on-line. The internet has kept me
fed, exercised, entertained, and informed.
Because the internet has kept
me informed, the desire to return to the world has dwindled to almost nothing,
even though I miss seeing my friends and family.
When the gates open and we can
roam freely again, the way in which we do things will have changed. Hugging for
one thing will be out. Kissing; definitely a thing of the past. Shaking
hands too. I hope my loved ones used some of their lockdown time to learn a few
kitchen tricks, we will have to have small get togethers at each other's
homes. Restaurant meals will remain but a pleasant memory, so
too a few rounds at the pub. And naturally mask wearing, and perpetual
handwashing will be even more prevalent than they currently are.
That it took such a cataclysmic
event for people to change is indicative of just how self-absorbed the human
race has become. By now we have all heard a theory or a belief that this
is the earth saying, "Stop! I have had enough! " It is pretty much
what I believe.
This is how we are being forced
to take cognizance of those around us. It is an opportunity to start living more
consciously.
As much as I embrace change, I wake
up during the night with the nagging feeling that this is taking it too far,
and I am not ready. With all the chores and lessons I have set myself for the
next two weeks I have to find time to get my head around these changes.
But while I get my head around
the changes I also need to get my head around how badly mankind has let
itself down. Ignoring the signs. Too quick to label anyone with a warning
as a troublemaker.
Of course, it is not all misery
and destruction. It is an opportunity, a second chance. People will be
more conscious of their actions as one wrong move could kill them, but as this
behaviour becomes second nature so too will the good.
Today, it feels as if I am rambling. I probably am, but I am
trying to undo the knots in the thread of my thoughts. I desperately want to
reconcile my thoughts with my feelings. I also want to plan for the future, but
I will need to understand what it is first.
