In these days of social distancing, let us not forget to do some distance socialization. This is a time for physical isolation, yes, but not social isolation. While we can't assemble in groups physically, we can
still - and must - keep on gathering across the miles to maintain communication. And we can communicate messages of hope in many different and unique ways.
In daily walks around my neighborhood I have seen signs of hope. Post-It Notes on street signs and lightposts that say "Flatten the curve", and "you are not alone". School neon signs that say "we miss you" and "stay safe". Even when the post-its fade (sun, rain) just seeing them reminds us of the important message and we give thanks to the ones who put them there. A "Mukilteo Strong" on top of an electrical junction box today reminded me of the spirit of our community - plus the waves of runners and dog-walkers as we greet each other from across the street, maintaining our "social distance"
One unique thing recently has been chalked messages on sidewalks. I think it started about Easter time, since some of the first messages were "Easter Sunday" and "He is Risen". But there were other messages, like "Happy Birthday" and "thanks___". And then there was the stretch of sidewalk around the local library sign that was labeled #chalk the walk. A whole stretch of sidewalk was covered in chalk messages of hope and encouragement, with a piece of chalk placed where anyone could pick it up and add to the "message board".
Today in the pouring rain the chalk drawings had faded, but I believe that when the sun returns and the walk dries off , the "chalking" will resume. In the midst of our often lonely silent endurance of "sheltering at home" there are signs everywhere of the hope to come. One day we will emerge into the light of day where we will not fear to embrace each other and life. Hold on , and chalk the walk
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Words of wisdom
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. We grew up with that mantra, a saying we throw back to name callers. But we grew up to find out that it wasn't true. Names can break hearts, as one singer put it, and other ill chosen words can do great damage.
For this and other reasons we must choose our words carefully, especially in a time of stress like now.
We tend to make three mistakes in our use of words. One is the use of hyperbole - instead of a good player we say they are the best ever, instead of saying someone is bad, we say they are evil. Our descriptions of events and people and causes go beyond reality to extremes - leaving no room for accurate descriptions for real extremes.
Another way we misuse words is similar. We tag so much as priority that we are torn between the things we really needed to do. We encounter this at work often. If everything is priority, then nothing is priority. We need to use our words carefully to focus our efforts on the things that really matter the most.
And the third way we misuse words is throwing out strong words carelessly. Such things as gunpowder words- words that are often used just for shock value. Some are obviously extreme, some are dug up and tossed , like a hand grenade in the middle of a crowd, verbally very dangerous. Some are not even matching the situation. People take a word that they know would get a strong negative reaction and use it to amp up the opposition to something they personally don't like.
Two examples stand out recently. Many who have opposed the common sense "shelter in place" regulations to safeguard public health have used the word "draconian" to describe those regulations.
Public health is important for all, yet those who want to go about their lives without restrictions harm us all. The regulations are not draconian, but really common sense. Especially as shown by a recent religious leader of a church who strongly pushed for large public gatherings, who shortly thereafter contracted the virus and died less than 2 weeks after his bombastic outburst
Another example involves the controversy around a touted "cure" for the virus - a medicine that had been pushed by some in the absence of a vaccine. Many in the medical field have countered the push because of legitimate concerns about side effects of it. And while there is room for discussion and debate over the merits of medical help. But there have been some who have gone ballistic over the criticism of this "cure" and called the efforts to oppose it as a "jihad". Not only is the a failure to fully understand the 2 different applications of the word - personal and political - it also uses it way out of context. And also using it just for shock effect to get people to oppose the effort to realistically handle the remedies for the virus.
So, in the time of stress and worry, etc, let us watch the words we use. Let us be realistic - and kind.
Words of comfort and encouragement, and wisdom will help us all come through it better.
For this and other reasons we must choose our words carefully, especially in a time of stress like now.
We tend to make three mistakes in our use of words. One is the use of hyperbole - instead of a good player we say they are the best ever, instead of saying someone is bad, we say they are evil. Our descriptions of events and people and causes go beyond reality to extremes - leaving no room for accurate descriptions for real extremes.
Another way we misuse words is similar. We tag so much as priority that we are torn between the things we really needed to do. We encounter this at work often. If everything is priority, then nothing is priority. We need to use our words carefully to focus our efforts on the things that really matter the most.
And the third way we misuse words is throwing out strong words carelessly. Such things as gunpowder words- words that are often used just for shock value. Some are obviously extreme, some are dug up and tossed , like a hand grenade in the middle of a crowd, verbally very dangerous. Some are not even matching the situation. People take a word that they know would get a strong negative reaction and use it to amp up the opposition to something they personally don't like.
Two examples stand out recently. Many who have opposed the common sense "shelter in place" regulations to safeguard public health have used the word "draconian" to describe those regulations.
Public health is important for all, yet those who want to go about their lives without restrictions harm us all. The regulations are not draconian, but really common sense. Especially as shown by a recent religious leader of a church who strongly pushed for large public gatherings, who shortly thereafter contracted the virus and died less than 2 weeks after his bombastic outburst
Another example involves the controversy around a touted "cure" for the virus - a medicine that had been pushed by some in the absence of a vaccine. Many in the medical field have countered the push because of legitimate concerns about side effects of it. And while there is room for discussion and debate over the merits of medical help. But there have been some who have gone ballistic over the criticism of this "cure" and called the efforts to oppose it as a "jihad". Not only is the a failure to fully understand the 2 different applications of the word - personal and political - it also uses it way out of context. And also using it just for shock effect to get people to oppose the effort to realistically handle the remedies for the virus.
So, in the time of stress and worry, etc, let us watch the words we use. Let us be realistic - and kind.
Words of comfort and encouragement, and wisdom will help us all come through it better.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
I saw the Easter Bunny this morning - in fact there were 2 of them.:) I even got a picture of them.No , they weren't laying out Easter eggs....seriously, they were just wild rabbits. Just a sample of nature's creatures went on my usual morning walk. I also saw a woodpecker -actually saw him hammering away, not just hearing him "knocking on wood" from a far off tree. I recorded a video of him, with the croaking of frogs in the background. I was scolded by a squirrel for getting too close to "his" tree. There was a flyover by the local ducks and geese, plus the usual chatter of the robins and crows.
There were a few joggers and dog walkers about , but we kept our proper 6ft distancing , waving and saying hello from across the street. Other than that it was a quiet reflective morning. Good exercise and opportunity to reflect. In this worrying time, where we are so conscious of what we can't do, it is important to remember and cherish the things we can do.
We can visit with friends, just have to do it online, or over the phone. We can share love with each other - acts of kindness don't necessarily have to be in person. We can encourage each other, listen to tales of struggle with empathy, and share messages of hope. We can laugh, cry, sing with each other and help pull each other through. Social distancing should be renamed remote socialization. Let's not be isolated.
And we don't have to be isolated from the hand of God in nature around us You know, God's creation is not just about man. I believe He cares about all of the living creatures around us. Let us not be blind to that on this Easter Sunday. And we don't need to be in a building packed all together to worship. We can also do that out in the world of nature among the other creatures he made.
Happy Easter everyone:)
There were a few joggers and dog walkers about , but we kept our proper 6ft distancing , waving and saying hello from across the street. Other than that it was a quiet reflective morning. Good exercise and opportunity to reflect. In this worrying time, where we are so conscious of what we can't do, it is important to remember and cherish the things we can do.
We can visit with friends, just have to do it online, or over the phone. We can share love with each other - acts of kindness don't necessarily have to be in person. We can encourage each other, listen to tales of struggle with empathy, and share messages of hope. We can laugh, cry, sing with each other and help pull each other through. Social distancing should be renamed remote socialization. Let's not be isolated.
And we don't have to be isolated from the hand of God in nature around us You know, God's creation is not just about man. I believe He cares about all of the living creatures around us. Let us not be blind to that on this Easter Sunday. And we don't need to be in a building packed all together to worship. We can also do that out in the world of nature among the other creatures he made.
Happy Easter everyone:)
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Privilege
Are you privileged? As you look around you and think about your situation you might think "no".In this time of "pausing" from our normal life we have some time the contemplate just who we are and what we have. And we may just discover that we really are privileged. No, not to the point where we could, as someone just did, throw down over $900,000.00 for Paul McCartney's scrawled lyrics for "Hey Jude". But for a lot of us the basic necessities of life were not put in jeopardy by the corona virus.
In comparison to most of the world we are fortunate. We have a reliable, safe place in which to eat, sleep, and "shelter". We have reliable sources of food - and if we are nervous about going food shopping we can order in, have our groceries delivered to our homes and all we have to do is make sure the groceries get delivered to the right place, hands free.
Many of us have jobs that allow us to work at home, so as to avoid physical contact with coworkers in the office or commuters on the bus. For most of the past 20 years I worked from home at least part of my workweek. My adjustment for the virus was that I went from 3 days to the full week at home.
My job is in the "essential" status, Medicaid insurance, where the digital rules and business is expected to substantially increase. Especially when more people face unemployment and the loss of their work sponsored healthcare. And we live in a safe community with police, fire, and medical help is nearby. I even have a safe, uncrowded place to walk and commune with nature to safeguard my sanity. And with my dear wife of over 25 years I am not alone.
But not everyone has that. Many work in industries, like manufacturing for example, where even if the company was open to remote work, the nature of the work prevents that. Many work in areas like retail, food service, and small business where not only is the work unable to be done at home, the jobs are not considered essential and businesses are closed and many unemployed. Think about job hunting in a social distancing world.
And still many are cut off from the digital world, so even keeping in touch with others are limited.And many are alone, truly isolated.And that is just here in the US. In the global arena it is even worse.
I say this not to make anyone feel guilty. I don't feel bad for having the advantages I do. But it is important first of all to put it in perspective. It could be much worse - which isn't always comforting, but it is important to remember - even in normal times. I say it to remind us to be grateful everyday, in good times and bad. And to remember everyday that there are many out there who do not have those same privileges. Who instead have vulnerabilities and strong challenges.
Remember those who are the front lines of "battle" with the virus , fighting for peoples lives.The doctors, the nurses, the firefighters and police, who don't have the option of "sheltering".Remember those who are in essential jobs who must go out, and who can't maintain the "6-foot"
rule, who are daily exposed and still go out.
From your position of privilege try to reach out to help in any way you can. Donate if you can to agencies providing help and supplies. Reach out to anyone you know who is alone - I know they would appreciate love in words. And when you do venture out a wave or a smile can travel beyond 6 feet. It is small, but I know it lifts my spirits when I walk.
Not guilt, but gratitude is my aim. And I am grateful I can write and share to do my small part to encourage us to press on through these challenging days, hopeful to see the light at the end of this particular tunnel. We had days and years before the virus came - we will have days and years after it passes on. And it will. But gratitude should survive and prosper.
In comparison to most of the world we are fortunate. We have a reliable, safe place in which to eat, sleep, and "shelter". We have reliable sources of food - and if we are nervous about going food shopping we can order in, have our groceries delivered to our homes and all we have to do is make sure the groceries get delivered to the right place, hands free.
Many of us have jobs that allow us to work at home, so as to avoid physical contact with coworkers in the office or commuters on the bus. For most of the past 20 years I worked from home at least part of my workweek. My adjustment for the virus was that I went from 3 days to the full week at home.
My job is in the "essential" status, Medicaid insurance, where the digital rules and business is expected to substantially increase. Especially when more people face unemployment and the loss of their work sponsored healthcare. And we live in a safe community with police, fire, and medical help is nearby. I even have a safe, uncrowded place to walk and commune with nature to safeguard my sanity. And with my dear wife of over 25 years I am not alone.
But not everyone has that. Many work in industries, like manufacturing for example, where even if the company was open to remote work, the nature of the work prevents that. Many work in areas like retail, food service, and small business where not only is the work unable to be done at home, the jobs are not considered essential and businesses are closed and many unemployed. Think about job hunting in a social distancing world.
And still many are cut off from the digital world, so even keeping in touch with others are limited.And many are alone, truly isolated.And that is just here in the US. In the global arena it is even worse.
I say this not to make anyone feel guilty. I don't feel bad for having the advantages I do. But it is important first of all to put it in perspective. It could be much worse - which isn't always comforting, but it is important to remember - even in normal times. I say it to remind us to be grateful everyday, in good times and bad. And to remember everyday that there are many out there who do not have those same privileges. Who instead have vulnerabilities and strong challenges.
Remember those who are the front lines of "battle" with the virus , fighting for peoples lives.The doctors, the nurses, the firefighters and police, who don't have the option of "sheltering".Remember those who are in essential jobs who must go out, and who can't maintain the "6-foot"
rule, who are daily exposed and still go out.
From your position of privilege try to reach out to help in any way you can. Donate if you can to agencies providing help and supplies. Reach out to anyone you know who is alone - I know they would appreciate love in words. And when you do venture out a wave or a smile can travel beyond 6 feet. It is small, but I know it lifts my spirits when I walk.
Not guilt, but gratitude is my aim. And I am grateful I can write and share to do my small part to encourage us to press on through these challenging days, hopeful to see the light at the end of this particular tunnel. We had days and years before the virus came - we will have days and years after it passes on. And it will. But gratitude should survive and prosper.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
adaptation in the time of corona virus
The only thing constant is change, we are told. And in the time of corona virus, that is certainly true.
We are sheltering in place, working from home, or if we go out it is with gloves and masks on. We learn new ditties to hum while we are washing out hands. Like "not touching something with a 10 foot pole," we say hello to anyone from 6 feet away. We know the terms "social distancing", "self isolating" , "flatten the curve", and "ventilators". We avoid gatherings of 10 or more, and connect in the virtual world of Zoom.
Some people are afraid of change, resistant to it, and feel their world is falling apart. They mistake personal physical isolation for relational isolation. But the relationships can continue and must keep up, just adjusted for a change of method. We can and should still continue to maintain those friendships across the miles and the digital divide by email, phone call, text, other forms of social media. Just because we can't physically be together doesn't mean we have to wall ourselves apart.
And in the midst of dealing with communication in new and different ways we can discover new things in the world. Since the Toastmaster world has turned to digital to maintain relationships we have learned about not just how we can maintain our clubs, but also new connections and new possibilities for enhancing our communications. We can share visually and audibly with people hundreds and thousands of miles away. In recent meetings and contests I have been a part of we have connected with folks across the country and around the world , South Korea and India to name a couple examples.
I am doing a contest in a couple weeks where I have recruited people who might have previously had to consider travel to come to the contest site, but now only have to turn on their computer from home to be a part. Recruiting help is easier. And we can involve other districts in the judging and add to the diversity of evaluations. We had as a club a member who came down with the virus and would have not been able to join us for a meeting if not for our new Zoom set up.
People have experimented with virtual backgrounds, presentations without having to lug a laptop and projector to meetings, and even write "notes" (in chat) of evaluation without worrying about legibility (mine especialy).
I guess what I am driving at is rather than focusing on what we don't have, on the complications.
We should focus on treasuring what we have, and what opportunities for growth that are there.
There are so many things we still can do, and places we can go. Today for me it was a "two-bunny walk"...more about that later.
We are sheltering in place, working from home, or if we go out it is with gloves and masks on. We learn new ditties to hum while we are washing out hands. Like "not touching something with a 10 foot pole," we say hello to anyone from 6 feet away. We know the terms "social distancing", "self isolating" , "flatten the curve", and "ventilators". We avoid gatherings of 10 or more, and connect in the virtual world of Zoom.
Some people are afraid of change, resistant to it, and feel their world is falling apart. They mistake personal physical isolation for relational isolation. But the relationships can continue and must keep up, just adjusted for a change of method. We can and should still continue to maintain those friendships across the miles and the digital divide by email, phone call, text, other forms of social media. Just because we can't physically be together doesn't mean we have to wall ourselves apart.
And in the midst of dealing with communication in new and different ways we can discover new things in the world. Since the Toastmaster world has turned to digital to maintain relationships we have learned about not just how we can maintain our clubs, but also new connections and new possibilities for enhancing our communications. We can share visually and audibly with people hundreds and thousands of miles away. In recent meetings and contests I have been a part of we have connected with folks across the country and around the world , South Korea and India to name a couple examples.
I am doing a contest in a couple weeks where I have recruited people who might have previously had to consider travel to come to the contest site, but now only have to turn on their computer from home to be a part. Recruiting help is easier. And we can involve other districts in the judging and add to the diversity of evaluations. We had as a club a member who came down with the virus and would have not been able to join us for a meeting if not for our new Zoom set up.
People have experimented with virtual backgrounds, presentations without having to lug a laptop and projector to meetings, and even write "notes" (in chat) of evaluation without worrying about legibility (mine especialy).
I guess what I am driving at is rather than focusing on what we don't have, on the complications.
We should focus on treasuring what we have, and what opportunities for growth that are there.
There are so many things we still can do, and places we can go. Today for me it was a "two-bunny walk"...more about that later.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Are you going stir crazy? Or feeling some cabin fever coming on? You might just be an extrovert.
During this time of "sheltering in place at home" a lot of people may be feeling a serious lack of energy, not because of the virus, but because they are cut off from their usual source of energy - people, especially crowds which help them thrive. For us introverts silence and calm can help us recharge and think and we feed off of it, but to an extrovert silence is a drain. So it is essential to flip the usual "social distancing" and emphasize "distant socialization", be sure to reach out to others and make the connections even when those connections are from a distance - phone, text, email, online video. Those are safe ways to communicate and make sure we are not isolated , even when we are.
Even for introvert, who love the silence and calmness, too much of a good thing can be bad.
We need people. I make a point of getting out of the house for daily walks.. My usual companions are the local ducks, geese, crows, robins, the occasional squirrel and wild bunnies. Aside from my constant companion, my best friend, my wife, I don't really see much besides runners and dog walkers. But I have another source of communication - my Toastmasters club. We hold our club meetings online through Zoom.
And we are not alone. Toastmasters International has strongly encouraged clubs around the country and around the world to not hold in person meetings, but meet online. We are having speech contests online, and we will hold our Spring Conference online, quite an undertaking. We have embraced the technology and have developed new skills. These present numerous opportunities for safe social interactions. We have fun, much laughter, and community building as we come together.
It is vital for both introverts and extroverts to keep socializing till we are again able to add physical interactions.
During this time of "sheltering in place at home" a lot of people may be feeling a serious lack of energy, not because of the virus, but because they are cut off from their usual source of energy - people, especially crowds which help them thrive. For us introverts silence and calm can help us recharge and think and we feed off of it, but to an extrovert silence is a drain. So it is essential to flip the usual "social distancing" and emphasize "distant socialization", be sure to reach out to others and make the connections even when those connections are from a distance - phone, text, email, online video. Those are safe ways to communicate and make sure we are not isolated , even when we are.
Even for introvert, who love the silence and calmness, too much of a good thing can be bad.
We need people. I make a point of getting out of the house for daily walks.. My usual companions are the local ducks, geese, crows, robins, the occasional squirrel and wild bunnies. Aside from my constant companion, my best friend, my wife, I don't really see much besides runners and dog walkers. But I have another source of communication - my Toastmasters club. We hold our club meetings online through Zoom.
And we are not alone. Toastmasters International has strongly encouraged clubs around the country and around the world to not hold in person meetings, but meet online. We are having speech contests online, and we will hold our Spring Conference online, quite an undertaking. We have embraced the technology and have developed new skills. These present numerous opportunities for safe social interactions. We have fun, much laughter, and community building as we come together.
It is vital for both introverts and extroverts to keep socializing till we are again able to add physical interactions.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Mix of values - moral and practical
Values aren't limited to moral choices, they also involve practicality, strategy, how best to do what we do everyday. It's like a river and it's banks. The river flows and we make sure that it is not impeded or blocked and it can create power - hydroelectric power is clean and abundant But we also use dams not just for energy creation but also for flood control. If a river overruns its banks you have flooding which helps no one. We have to have the free flowing with the guiding of the banks for the best result.
In the same way we need the practical values, efficiency and such, along with the control of the moral values that keep us from "flooding" so to speak. A recent presidential candidate exemplified this by listing a set of values that he chose for his campaign - called the "rules of the road". Values that he lived by and wanted his supporters and volunteers to follow. They were a mix of the practical and moral.
The practical ones I see as: Teamwork, Boldness, Substance, Discipline, Excellence.
The more moral values I see as : Respect, Belonging, Truth, Responsibility, Joy.
These are intertwined and support each other, and both are necessary for life.
Think about how you view life and what values are important to you.
In the same way we need the practical values, efficiency and such, along with the control of the moral values that keep us from "flooding" so to speak. A recent presidential candidate exemplified this by listing a set of values that he chose for his campaign - called the "rules of the road". Values that he lived by and wanted his supporters and volunteers to follow. They were a mix of the practical and moral.
The practical ones I see as: Teamwork, Boldness, Substance, Discipline, Excellence.
The more moral values I see as : Respect, Belonging, Truth, Responsibility, Joy.
These are intertwined and support each other, and both are necessary for life.
Think about how you view life and what values are important to you.
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