CV19: The Good Life
We humans are social animals. We are built to commune and create. So an encroaching sense of discomfort arises and settles in during this time of coronavirus distancing because, in a myriad ways, we are missing community.
There are intermittent waves of grief that lapped up on the shores at the edge of my heart this week. I was thinking about previous disasters and even wars, how people came together for comfort and action. People would make community a priority to rebuild, to share meals, to consciously choose time together because those floods or earthquakes or senseless killings are reminders that we really don’t know when our time to leave the human experience will come.
This, though, the effects of physical and social distancing shock me with a catch in my throat and surprise trickle of tears in the corner of my eyes. It happens in the most unexpected places. Like when I recently drove by the library.
I see the parking lot empty, the lights off, and the eerie stillness of a once busy center of social life. This is the intersection for education, creativity, and connection among diverse parts of the community. And it is now stunted.
In contrast, we witness nature’s persistence — the kelly green spring grass, blooming purple iris, bright orange poppies with purplish-black centers, and the booming, gurgling, tumbling sounds of the creek’s rushing water without regard to any of the human suffering. Nature’s joy cannot be contained.
It is easy to not see, to compartmentalize these glimpses of reality when we’re home alone, on our computers, watching movies, cleaning, cooking, seeking connection online and answers in doomscrolling.
Our social hubs and communities disappear behind walls and screens and are filtered through technology, which dissipates the vibrant energy of being with people in person.
To hug and touch friends and loved ones, to hear their voices and laughter, to travel and camp in the parks, to experience the world’s natural wonders, and to be among a crowd of strangers listening to music or watching the sunrise.
I desire and aspire to live this, the good life.
Until then, may we be well, may we be good to each other.