We have (allegedly) survived the Pandemic but are now facing another dilemma that feels not only personal but cultural. Initially, I called it ‘stress’.
The world seemed to be on “tilt”. Nothing was going according to “my plan”.
My personal example is trying to get this blog up and functional. In a process that appeared to be easy, I would run into one wall after another, walk away, come back to try again to no avail. I reached out for help and each friend got me a bit further down the road, then I would try to do something on my own and create another mess! Finally, a dear friend persevered and got me to this point.
However, within this past month, I have looked around and found most everyone I know has been in some form of angst: not sleeping, unusual grumpiness, inability to get anything done, obsessive worrying, depression and/or overwhelm.
My sense is that we are trying to answer questions that we have not even formed never mind trying to ask ourselves out loud.
After this prolonged period of inwardness, are we trying to determine what it is we truly value?
How have our relationships to family changed? What is the importance of community? Are we behaving with kindness toward one another? How about all the “stuff” we have accumulated?
How do we hold opposing points of view vs. seeing everything as black/white or right/wrong? Are we casting about for an anchor? – something to hold on to as “truth”? What are our hopes for the future, for our people, for the earth?
I have no answers, only questions. My own frustrations remain. My solution is taking some time for myself to return to nature with my camera. Nothing is solved but I come home with a refreshed spirit and the ability to sleep.
How are your faring at this time? I welcome your thoughts, opinions, or your own solutions.
Written June 27, 2021
Stories & Pictures 