Day 11 - A Forced retreat & ‘Solidarity Spirit’.

Needing that sense of familiarity, is whispering. We’re being denied our usual sense of stimulation, however we sourced it before in those daily rhythms, (we most likely all took for granted) that gave us excitement, a sense of purpose, of happiness and possibly belonging. The sense of longing for those feelings is slowly creeping in now; the feelings of being inspired by external surroundings as I’d merrily skip through the city. The energy of others I’d soak up as I’d walk to catch the tube or bus, stopping to talk to AK who owns the local music shop catching up with a hug and a friendly chat, waving hello to Johnson as I’d pass his printing shop or simply making happy smalltalk with passers by or shop assistants. The appreciation of infrastructure that supports the community, seeing the local karate club bustling or weekly meet up sessions being held in the local community centre, seeing floods of people gathering outside pubs or heading to and from the gym. That sense of community - as we knew it - has suddenly disappeared.

Of course there is another form of community spirit now, the ‘Solidarity Spirit’, uniting us to the fact that we’re in this together. Manifesting itself in those apologetic looks over to strangers as we give a ‘wide birth’ to cross paths. That smile which accompanies the sympathetic nod of the head as you recognise one another. Through the abundant happiness dogs radiate! Seeing them bouncing around, tails wagging, mouths gaping open as they gasped for more air because it’s the best time of their lives! It’s so wonderful to experience that pleasure; for a brief moment a sheer wave of joy sweeps over me and I forget about the turmoil the world is facing - on every level. Through this time, we will unite with our community and indeed others around the world. We have to focus on the small daily pleasures we do have access to and cherish those, allowing them to be the source of our daily stimulation.

We need to find a sustainable sense of stimulation,

We need to grin and bear this rocky road at present. Everything is in a constant state of change and the more we can surrender to the tide, the more successful we’ll be at navigating these waters.

We have to keep doing so if we want to come out at the other end, as unscathed as possible.

Mic drop.