Happy Equinox!
In terms of symbolism, the Equinox is all about balance. That’s an interesting thing to contemplate during the time of COVID-19.
On the one hand, I feel pretty balanced. It’s still Spring Break in my land. I’m trying hard to avoid work, since it’s technically vacation time for me. I’ve been creating a lot of art in different forms. Sometimes I get the calligraphy itch. I’ve done some small (5×5″ & 5×7″) paintings. I’ve been journaling more, and (obviously) I’ve rebooted my blog a bit.
I’ve been social distancing. Pretty easy since I live on my own. I’ve been limiting outings to public places. I’ve watched a lot of Netflix. (I’m sad I reached the end of Grace and Frankie.) I’m reading multiple books (a couple of them work-related, because I’m supposed to finish them by 03/27.) I have gone on bike rides and walks, but I purposely avoid other people. I actively choose my walking route on if I see another person. (“Oh, person coming up. Take a left here!”) Aside from feeling guilty about avoiding all people, it has taken me down roads I might not normally walk down. So there’s some adventure in that.
On the other end, I’ve definitely been feeling anxious about COVID-19. Social media is filled with angst, anxiety, confusion. So much so I’ve distanced myself from social media. I’ve discovered I am definitely a Facebook addict. Training myself to check into that app less is already challenging, and I just started yesterday. I’m still posting to Instagram, but I don’t feel so bad about that since it has a creative component to it. And mostly I post my creative endeavors to it.
And then there’s real life. I took my car to the mechanic today for an oil change. They found something else, so that bill will be fun. I do have the money, but spending it when there’s so much uncertainty is a bit unnerving. And I’m lucky that I know I’m getting paid through June! My heart goes out to those who are in more precarious situations.
And with that thought, I hope our government steps up and does the right thing in the midst of the Covid crisis. For everyone. Now more than ever it’s becoming apparent how vital each member of our society is. Those folks who supposedly don’t deserve $15 an hour because you don’t need a college degree to do it are our front line saviors manning grocery store cash registers (among many other locations). Those folks who lack adequate health care because their policies are too expensive now get free care because not having it puts us all at risk. But those who don’t have paid sick leave? They are still going to work. No social distancing when you fear losing your job.
Now is the time the working class demands the supports we need to live a life more than surviving. Our country has been extremely unbalanced for a long time as it has favored the uber-rich more and more … more. We must shift the balance back to those who keep this country running on the daily. We must hold our elected officials accountable to make sure they are empowering us.
And not just in the short term. COVID-19 will eventually be history. But we, the working class, need to make sure we push to be the future of this country.
Wishing you and your loved ones balance, health, and love.
Balance to you, as well.
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