Day 142

Today is July 31, 2020

 In case you are wondering what the state of Colorado looks like in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic these are the most recent numbers according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment :46,204 known, cumulative cases of COVID-19 and 1,822 deaths among those who tested positive.

The summer is nearly over for teachers here in Colorado and it is one of my least anticipated school years.

In summer's past I usually get feel inspired and ready to go back and take on the challenges of teaching in the urban city of Aurora.  It is the third most populous city in the state with a diverse demographic of people.  After usually having traveled and filmed and enjoyed the summer the call to teach has been there and I have always started the year with a newly innovative plan and a sense of enthusiasm to try it out.

        Alas, I find myself here.  Here is a place I, and the rest of us for that matter, have never found ourselves. 

One-hundred and forty-one days or four and a half months into a pandemic.  A pandemic. I don't even think I knew the meaning of the word until March. Here it is:(of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world. So says dictionary.com. An epidemic is a disease effecting a large number of people in a community or region. And for the record an endemic is a disease which effects only a particular people while an outbreak is the unexpected increase of endemic cases which if not controlled usually leads to an epidemic.  So I suppose the worst of these is a pandemic and that is where we find ourselves today.  Well friends we have come full circle. At least since the beginning of this paragraph.

The overall world numbers are an increase from yesterday and here they are according to the NY Times:

"The coronavirus pandemic has sickened more than 17,299,200 people, according to official counts. As of Friday morning, at least 673,900 people have died, and the virus has been detected in nearly every country"

Which countries have not reported coronavirus cases you may be asking yourself.  Well here they are:

Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, North Korea, Palua, Somoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu. While experts agree these countries may be withholding information, it is possible a few may have escaped the invisible virus altogether. North Korea does border on China and does much of its importing from China so it seems unlikely for the country to have zero cases.  They are notoriously a secret country so the reports or lack of are par for the course.

Turkmenistan is another country known for its covert operations and unreliable reporting and since it borders Iran (a country with over 100,000 cases) it seems unlikely to have a zero case load. 

Lesotho, a country on the list for quite some time, has reported new cases of coronavirus.  Like many  African countries they are well versed in dealing with outbreaks.  Also, although it is surrounded by South Africa it is a mountainous region and somewhat difficult to access. The possibility exists that some or even all of these countries may be COVID free, but seems it is more likely that some unaccounted cases exist..  However it may be very few since many of them are in the situated in the pacific region on isolated islands. We do know the Asian-Pacific area shut down and closed its borders pretty quickly possibly stopping the spread to these lowly populated and rarely visited territories. 

Things are different in the United States as according to the NY Times, the "virus had torn through every state, infecting more people than the combined populations of Nebraska, Vermont and Montana. The national death toll exceeded the population of Syracuse, N.Y."

A seven day average has seen virus cases of 64,632 in the U.S. a 1% decrease from a week ago. However, it is still an increase and until the country can agree to wear a mask and stop the spread by maintaining social distance our numbers will not decrease.  In contrast New Zealand and its most recent summary report.

Indeed a stark contrast to our nation in turmoil. 

Day 141

The pandemic continues its tear through the southern and western United States. This map indicates the states in which coronavirus cases are on the rise:

As the following chart shows, we are not the only country struggling to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus:

As some areas of the U.S. prepare to begin another year of learning the teacher unions have risen in staunch support of their working force. According to the New York Times, 

"teachers’ unions are emerging as a powerful force in determining the shape of public education during the pandemic. Teachers across the country are fighting for stronger safety measures, limits to their online teaching responsibilities, and delayed returns to in-person teaching.

This week, the nation’s second-largest teachers’ union authorized its members to strike if adequate safety precautions like masks and new ventilation systems are not put in place. Teachers’ unions in Florida have already sued the governor over his push to require in-person instruction.

Critics say that teachers’ unions are inflexible and want to have it both ways: reluctant to return to classrooms, but also resistant to teaching online. Union leaders point out that many teachers went above and beyond their normal duties when schools were closed in the spring." As one might imagine the union and the teachers are facing tremendous pressure to return to in person learning.  The issues are both public and political as many parents need the day care schools provide as well as the opportunity to get back in the work force, the remote learning this spring was strewn with problems and many fear the achievement gap will continue to widen with another year of online learning.  In a recent interview with 20 health experts, science reporter Donald McNeil Jr found that the experts all felt a "pervasive sense of sadness and exhaustion".   The condition of our nation is a result of mini battles taking place in every major city.  Each governor has taken a stance to thwart the virus in their own way.  Some have received support from the people while others have received nothing but push back and revolt. While some experts believe the only way to completely quell the virus would be with a nationwide lock down while others say that is not possible from a political stand point.  They are all unsure of what the upcoming fall and winter weather will bring to the pandemic and are unclear of whether or not flu season will have a grave effect on hospitalizations. In sports news Kansas City Chiefs player Laurent Devernay-Tardif, an offensive tackle with a medical degree, is opting out of football this season in order to care for coronavirus patients in his native Canada.  He is the first player to opt out of the 2020 NFL season.  He will receive $350,000 stipend in lieu of the 2.75 million dollars he was owed this year.  A truly self-less and heroic gesture from the 29 year old.  In family news, Maren's dad Dewey turned a young seventy-two years old. He is planning on riding in the Road Apple Rally, a 20 mile bike race held in his town of Farmington, NM.  Go Dewey!

Day 140

Today is Wednesday July 29, 2020 and day 140. According to the https://affinitynumerology.com/

"The numerology energy represented by the number 140 resonates with expression of a personal sense of freedom and self‑reliance.

There is a resonance of independence, curiosity, and wit. Interspersed through and among those vibrations, is a focus on building for the future. And there is a sense of wholeness and comprehensiveness."

You may have some fun today looking up your favorite number or the address of your house or business.

I have always worn the number three when I played on a sports team and have always associated with the number. I looked up it's meaning today and now I know why?!

Here is the numerology reading for the number 3. "The essence of the energy the number 3 represents is creative self-expression for others to observe and appreciate. It is especially adept with visual and auditory artistic expression.

The number 3 is social. And it supports and encourages the creative expression of others."

Getting back to today and number 140 we have a duty to express a personal sense of freedom and self-reliance throughout our day. We can be the model for independence and wholeness as we interact with others. Each day is a chance to see the world though your own special lens. How you wake up and what affect you wear throughout the day is a reflection of who you are and who you are affects everyone you talk to over the course of the day.

Now back to numbers. The following numbers are numbers we do not like reading because they are growing numbers which remind us every day we are in a fight to slow the spread of a virus that has infected millions (16.7) and killed hundreds of thousands (661,208).

We ought to know these numbers but not ruminate on them. They can be depressing and lead us down a path that can overwhelm us and plant negative seeds of hopelessness and fear.

We will get persevere and we will come out of this pandemic stronger and wiser than before. Think of the greatest tragedies known to man; earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and past pandemics and viruses that have brought humans to the depths of despair and agony. We, who survived, will remember how we got through it and continued to use that resolve to get past smaller life obstacles. Yes it is true many will not survive COVID-19 and we may lose loved ones, but that is the cycle of life.

Millions of people in the world die from cancer every year (9.6 million in 2018) and although we have amazing treatments and can stave off death in some cases, the fact is we have no cure for cancer. The harmful use of alcohol kills up to 3 million people annually.

The number one cause of death is heart disease or cardiovascular disease which takes the lives of some 17 million plus humans every year.

These are battles we face every day and must deal with as we go about our lives because for most these show up without warning and we must deal. The thing about the novel coronavirus is that we are seeing it now everywhere we go. What I mean is we are seeing the reminders that it is out there. Masks, social distancing, remote learning, businesses closed or operating uniquely, and many more. So this situation we all find ourselves in has changed our lives and the lens we use to see the world and other people for that matter has changed too. In some cases there will be no going back. Many people believe this pandemic will change the way we see and interact with each other from henceforth.

And that is not just in the future, but now. Everyday we wake and live and speak with others. How we talk to them, what we say to them and how we treat them has an effect on them. As educators we have long known the relationship we build with students is more important than any subject matter or teaching style. Ultimately, it comes down to how we make them feel and by making them feel loved and important gives them reason to learn. While also building self-confidence in them and growing within them the hopes and dreams to be successful in life.

Even though we are all not educators we still wield the power to have an effect on those we interact with everyday. Albeit your family members or the bank teller or the stranger you chat with for five minutes via phone, email or zoom. The potential we have to make the world a more loving and nurturing world begins with us. It begins with how we wake up each day and what affect we decide to address the rest of humanity with. Choose the condition you want others to see in you and be an inspiration not only to those around you, but to yourself.

     

Day 139

Proud to be an american where at least I know I'm free...not to wear a mask! 

Florida, in the land of the free has surpassed New York as COVID-19 champion. It leads all states in number of cases with 423,847.  

Today is Tuesday July 28, 2020 today the world COVID-19 numbers look like this:

In positive news, at least two companies, Moderna and Pfizer are into large-scale human tests for their created vaccine.  The tests will continue for months until an effective vaccine is ready for the market. 

In the, that didn't take long catergory, MLB postponed two games today due to 14 Florida Marlins players tested positive for coronavirus.

In world news Hong Kong, Vietnam and North Korea all had increased virus cases this weekend resulting in evacuations and pulling back on dining in privileges. North Korea accused a South Korean defector of bringing in the virus and issued a state of emergency. 

It is interesting that in many of the interviews with people who are pushing to get kids back in schools for in person learning are focused on what kids need, but not many are talking about the risk to staff. 

If you feel like your emotions are out of control these days well you're not the only one.

Many people in this time feel emotional intensity or feel as though their emotions are controlling them.  You may feel impulsively emotional or over reactive to news or data you have read about the virus outbreak and pandemic.  There are steps you can take to regain control and settle into life of control. First, get control of your habits that lead to out of control emotions. If you are in the habit of putting yourself down because you make a simple error then begin by being aware of your inner thoughts.  Just because we tell ourselves something does not make it true.

Be careful not to believe every thought you tell yourself especially if they tend to be negative.

“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”

― Marcus Aurelius

Cast your dye in truth and rational thought. Do not be impulsive.  Do not allow negative thoughts to become habit forming. 

Second, rely on people you trust to comfort you. Seek counsel from level-headed thinkers and good listeners who know you and love.  And while it is good to have those confidants it is also important to be confident in yourself and your own ability to deal with the state of your life.

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Third, don't judge emotions understand them. Just because an emotion is making you feel bad doesn't necessarily make the emotion bad. We are taught to suppress our anger and fear and sorrow, but is that human?  We are human because of our ability to emote feelings based on experiences.  We ought not to criticize how we feel.  There are valid reasons for our emotions. The key is to control them.  Allow them to be for time, but regain control and move forward. 

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”

— Joseph Campell

Last, take care of your physical self.  The mind and body connection is real. Eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep to strengthen and nurture your body.  Build a durable frame and you will keep a sane and rational frame of mind.

Day 138

Monday July 27, 2020

Jack Johnson sings about a moment in time, one of peace and love. We must find these moments each day to feel the moment and be in the moment.  To be in touch with our conscious reality. Otherwise we fall into the despair of what once was and what could be.  And although those memories or hopes could be positive in nature they are still events that have either occurred or may or may not occur. In order to stay grounded in the now and control our lives as we live them we must be present to it. . Here are some of the lyrics to “Upside down” 

I want to turn the whole thing upside down

I'll find the things they say just can't be found

I'll share this love I find with everyone

We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs

I don't want this feeling to go away

Who's to say

I can't do everything

Well I can try

And as I roll along I begin to find

Things aren't always just what they seem

Although life as we see it through this current lens may seem upside down the facts remain right side up.  We are experiencing life during a pandemic, fighting a virus that can kill and is transmitted primarily through human interaction.  Proximity being one key to the virus being passed on.  The current reality is the pandemic is real and will not just go away.  It is a virus which lives on through hosts.  Those hosts being humans (although it started with animals) and until humans can slow or stop the spread of it the virus will continue.  We give the virus life by living.  To think the world can just cease and people quarantine from one another for a two week period is not plausible.  

The questions of why or how did this happen are irrelevant (except maybe to prevent future viruses). The only thing that matters is how we react and how we cure ourselves from this predicament. 

This is how life will be for the uncertain future.  We have experts working on a vaccine.  The health professionals continue to work to help with treatments.  These super humans are doing everything in their power to vanquish this novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 and the rest of us must do our part.

That is where the failing comes in. That is where the selfishness lies.  That is where ignorance rears it's head.  The smartest people in the world are trying to save some of the most stubborn and foolish people around them.  This juxtaposition is what makes things difficult.  Especially in the U.S. where virus cases and deaths continue to grow in number.  A country of our wealth and position in the world ought not to be failing against a virus, yet it is. It will continue to fail as the leadership and people fail to see the truth.  Being in denial is a characteristic that hinders progress. We must first accept what is before we can find peace with it.  Similar to the systemic bias against people of color, until we all see the truth of what we have done and are doing no dramatic change will come.  Remove the blinders on your mind and your eyes to see what truly is and then change can happen. 

Day 137

July 26, 2020

Sunday has always been a favorite day of mine.  In my youth it meant going to Brooklyn to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as our big Italian family would gather in the basement for a meal of epic proportions, which we later referred to as the feast of the gods.  In the summers the feast took place under the grapevine in the backyard.  As I grew and developed a love for sports Sunday also meant football, baseball and other major sports I enjoyed both watching and playing.  Many Sundays were spent at MacLaren field on Loring road in Levittown, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow and Wantagh Park in Wantagh playing baseball, softball and flag football.  In the winter months, Sunday was reserved for street hockey.  In my elementary to middle school years I was fortunate to have a group of young bandits I called friends. I wish we had a cool name for our group, but we didn't.  The thing we bonded on was sports and that was really all.  The six of us would get together and play every sport, in all different ways, depending on the season.  Whiffle ball in the yard, stick ball in the street, baseball on the diamond, basketball, hockey, football (both touch and tackle).  On days we played multiple sports we dubbed those days Olympic days. Some of the crew lived in the neighborhood. I lived on Ridge Lane while John Scotto and the Milligan twins, Peter and George lived around the block on Shotgun lane.  Two others lived on the other side of Levittown.  There was Billy Murphy, an Irish kid who was one helluva athlete with one helluva Irish temper, and finally Jimmy Kranz rounded us out.  We mixed teams all the time and mixed it up a bunch too.  Yelling and arguing were pretty standard and even some punches were thrown occasionally.  Summers could get boring without the sports so in a day or two someone would apologize and the games continued. 

Us boys eventually just grew apart and I found a new gang to play with. The faces changed, but the games did not.  As I entered junior high school I found new friends in Danny O'Rourke and Bobby Miller and later on Kevin O'Rourke (no relation just a popular Levittown Irish name!) and Mitchel Weinstein, who we called Zowie because that was his moms name and we found it utterly unique. In high school came some new players, Jimmy Sparrow, Doug Traenkle and others.   After high school and one year of college (1985) I moved to California and soon became involved with a group of aspiring stuntmen and women.  Our group was known as the Federation of International Stunt Technicians (F.IS.T.).  It was created by two men, Rocky Paolucci and Michael Baron.  They trained "athletically inclined people" in an array of stunt skills.  I was trained and later helped train new recruits. Sunday was our day to train.  We would spend those days training and honing our skills.  Some Sundays were spent at Mount Rubidoux in Riverside repelling or at the stunt house in Santa Ana practicing high falls and stunt fighting.   

After moving back to New York and finishing up college I spent my twenties vying for teaching jobs, courting young women and playing more sports.  I played flag football with Dan O'Rourke and Mike Plienes for years.  Phil Alba, who had started a league through church was first an opponent and then became a teammate and a friend.  At the time I met Phil I was attending a Baptist Church and teaching at South Shore Christian School.  Those days Sundays were reserved for church and spending time with family and more sports.  After moving to Colorado I met and fell in love with Maren.  Early in our relationship we dubbed Sunday "our day" and resisted making plans with friends and dedicated the day to us.  We spent many Sundays taking walks, hikes or creating other urban and mountain adventures.  It continued like that for years and even though we see other people on Sundays it still is our day to rest and reset. A day to reflect on the past week and prepare for the next week.  To set some goals and support each other by being there for one another. 

Sunday is still my favorite day of the week. It is usually quiet as it is right now sitting in the backyard.  The sky is blue with white puffy clouds scattered about. You may notice less air travel these days due to the fear of flying and of course the U.S. being shut out of many countries. 

I have not seen a single plane yet this morning. Sundays in America have changed through the years dating as far back as the Puritans of New England in the 1600's.  Strict "blue laws" allowed nothing but church back then.  Now-a-days Sunday is still a church going day amidst many other traditions like picnics, barb-e-ques and softball leagues.  Spending time with family and resting are still popular in the 21st century. For more info on Sunday pasts check out this article from CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-history-of-sunday/

In pandemic news...the United States continues to struggle with the spread of COVID-19 (could it be from people refusing to wear masks?).  As a nation we are far ahead of other countries in number of coronavirus cases and deaths. This chart is a testament to that:

The other countries on this chart have had their struggles, but are now either in control or have flattened the curve of growing cases. They include Germany, France, Italy, U.K. and Canada.

There are currently ten states reporting more cases than any country in the world.

Recently bars in Texas openly defied mask orders and opened their doors to customers.

Enjoy the Sunday and focus on family and the small world of people and places you call special.

Maybe forget you live in the U.S. because even though it may be the greatest country in the world it may not be the smartest.  Help raise the bar.  Wear a mask. 

Day 136

Today is Saturday July 25, 2020

I have a mindful living deck of cards and in pulling a random card today I read:

"life is routine and routine is resistance to wonder" - Abraham Joshua Heschel. 

He was in touch with both god and the pitfalls of human existence. He believed the mundane and routine were things not to be taken for granted.  He implored men and women to find wonder in all things by looking deeply into life and all it offers and to find what is amazing. In these pandemic times routine has become even more, well, routine.  We find ourselves locked in to patterns of safety and precaution. We feel anxiety in moments which once were standard.  

We may feel trapped inside the figurative bubbles we have created to avoid the coronavirus. 

A virus which by the way has now infected 15 million people world wide in seven months time.  It is easy to get lost in the routine of fear and fall into the trappings of complaining about our current world.  It is understandable. We all want to go back to the way things were before this pandemic cracked our glass existence  and leaked our snow globe lives all about the place. The clean up has been difficult. 

 Even though our lives may not look the same we must mend our globes and begin to see the wonders of the world.  The wonders will never cease to exist even amidst the chaos. The earth is still beautiful and in some cases more so. Air pollution is down. Nature in a sense is thriving as we humans are putting less stress on the earth. Find in your own little corner of the world your own wonders.  

Cherish them. 

We can always enjoy the wonder that is a quiet morning outside. A bountiful hike to the hills. A walk in the park. Or a night under the stars. Life is too short to not take what is yours.  If yours is the routine of waking up and loving someone or caring for someone then let that be the most amazing thing you do.  While you still have life it is your charge to make it wonderful, amazing and less than routine. "Novelty is one of the fastest routes to creating new neural connections." - Eddie LeShure

When you perform the habits you find routine take notice of the sense of them. Smell the coffee you are brewing. Truly savor each bite of your breakfast.  Feel your muscles ache or stretch as you walk or enjoy a morning yoga suite. 

There is wonder in life.

And the fact that you are alive is a miracle.

For further thinking on this check out this article:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-things-mindful-

Desejo a todos o melhor- (I wish you all the best translated from Portugese)

Day 135

July 24, 2020

Last night baseball officially started.  MLB began nearly four months after it was supposed to begin. Two games were played last night.  A shortened game due to rain and lightning was won in Washington as the New York Yankees defeated the Nationals.  Physician and immunologist Anthony Fauci threw out the first pitch. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers dominated the San Francisco Giants 8-1.

Also there is a pandemic happening...

With coronavirus cases rising in 41 states across America many governors and even president Trump, for the first time, have strongly suggested wearing a mask.  The CDC has said all along the primary defenses we have to prevent transmission are masks, staying six feet apart and washing your hands, a lot. So now as the virus threatens to take over the nation the leaders are listening.  Maybe it is just a case of not really knowing.  Does anyone really know what the next steps will bring?  Reopening restaurants and retail was necessary to get the economy back on track as well as keep people employed and paid.  But did anyone know if infection rates would increase?  No one knows what affect in person schooling will have (let alone what it looks like).

When "The Black Death struck Europe... around 1348-1350", it took the lives of nearly half the European population. Spread far and wide, it was not known where the disease would hit next.  Panic ensued. Medicine, ineffective, was no help and "many believed God’s wrath was being thrust upon the Earth." The plague caused many people to react in different ways,

Some chose to look to God for penance of their sins.  Others wore charms for luck to ward off the disease. Many locked themselves away to escape infection and it was there they took to partying.  Seeking pleasure of all kinds. Indulging themselves in hedonistic frivolity of wine, music and dance.  A number of these folks were musicians who survived with new ideas in musical creativity.  Music took on a more complex form and "composers explored complex, secular song forms like the virelai, ballade, and rondeau."

 As far as the COVID-19 outbreak today there is a similar response.  Some have chosen to lock themselves in, some where masks, some don't and some have decided to party on.  Many young people have developed a sort-of a lais·sez-faire attitude about the whole thing. The myth of COVID parties is a bit of an urban legend and it is more innocent than what is being said or reported.  In truth, young people are more likely to forgo the advice of staying away from gatherings because that is what young people do.  As a twenty-something during the advent of Aids caused confusion and concern for the generation x'ers, but it did not stop us from pursuing the opposite sex or even abstaining from amorous affairs.  Youth has always been associated with arrogance and ignorance.   Not all youth is hell-bent of partying like it's 1999. (Remember Y2K?) Some are being creative and creating technology for the pandemic generation. This article tells of some interesting and helpful tools being thought up by young inventors.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-invention-insight 

I imagine other creators and artists (young and old) are busy dreaming up the next "thing" while sheltered at home.  It sure beats going out and spreading your germs around.

The dance of death or "The Danse Macabre consists of the dead or a personification of death summoning representatives from all walks of life to dance along to the grave, typically with a pope, emperor, king, child, and laborer. It was produced as memento mori, to remind people of the fragility of their lives and how vain were the glories of earthly life."

Day 134

Thursday July 23, 2020 

It is another day in the year of the pandemic and as many others I have been given the gift of time to catch up on reading.  So today I thought I would create a list of books for the pandemic generation.

Some of these I have read or are in the process of reading or are on my to-read list (italicized). Others are mere suggestions in light of every thing going on in the world. 

So here is the Jack Brando's book list for the pandemic generation aka Words Bound in Covers while you are Bound to your House aka What to do When You are not Binge Watching some Netflix series:

The Plague by Albert Camus

The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by Alan Watts

Striking Thoughts by Bruce Lee

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Infected by Scott Sigler

A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe

Pale Horse, Pale Rider by Katherine Anne Porter

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton

The Art of People by Dave Kerpen

Verses for the down and out by Michael Titorenko

1968: The Year that Rocked the World by Mark Kurlansky

The Child Garden by Geoff Ryman

On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony

Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zin

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E.P. Seligman

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

 The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho

Getting Grit: The Evidence-Based Approach to Cultivating Passion, Perseverance, and Purpose by Caroline Miller

Ammonite by Nicola Griffith

The Children's Hospital by Chris Adrian

The Transmigration of Bodies by Yuri Herrera

Viruses, Plagues, and History: Past, Present and Future by Michael B. A. Oldstone M.D.

Open When: Letters to Lift Your Spirits by Karen Salmansohn

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir by John Bolton

How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from… by Stephen Guise

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Happy Reading!

Day 133

Wednesday July 23, 2020

What is the current news on the virus outbreak known as COVID-19 which officially became a pandemic on March 12, 2020? Hint: It is usually bad news.  A few weeks ago I realized nothing about this pandemic will drastically change until a vaccine is created and honestly even a vaccine is no guarantee everything will change.  Let me clarify: when I say change what I really mean is go back to normal.  The way life felt before we were advised to shelter at home, before schools were taught remotely, before all major sporting events were cancelled, before all entertainment was reduced to streaming platforms and spotify playlists, before masks became fashionable and mandatory, before personal protective equipment was cool, before hugs, handshakes and high fives became taboo, before any of us experienced fear and anxiety going to a supermarket. 

The United States military is seeing coronavirus outbreaks on stations both local and abroad. Experts from the CDC have found evidence (through antibody tests) that the number of infected people in the U.S., currently at 3.8 million, could be as much as  2-13 times higher. The world has been hit hard and 14.9 million people have contracted the virus.  Over 600,000 people have succumbed to it.  The regions of the world differ in their stages of the virus and its outbreak, but as a whole new infections are very high surpassing 200,000 a day.  One month ago our seven day average was 148,000 as of yesterday it is 230,00.   

The latest on vaccine development: Vaccines are not typically made over night nor even in a matter of months. Experts are working non-stop to produce a vaccine by next year. Over 150 vaccines are in development with some 27 into the human test stages. In phase II of trials the vaccine is given to hundreds of humans of varying ages. "In June, the F.D.A. said that a coronavirus vaccine would have to protect at least 50% of vaccinated people to be considered effective."

There has been some promising news lately, but the road on the way to approval, mass production and mass distribution is long and many failures will come before success. 

There really has not been any good news coming out of America for a long time.  While other countries have been able to slow the spread and even control the spread the U.S. is embroiled in a partisan debate over mask wearing and reopening mandates.  

So where are we as a country? Well as an affluent country we are the most infected with a  growing death rate.  Many of our states are overwhelmed with increasing numbers causing hospitals to be over crowded and important health care personnel over worked.  The economy, even with reopening, is a mess and unemployment rates are some of the highest we have seen in this country.  With a presidential election only a few months away many citizens do not know who to trust or who to vote for. 

And this is only coronavirus news.  In May an unarmed black man was murdered by a white police officer after the officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while other police officers stood by and watched.  This spurred protests and riots across the world (some continue to this day) about not only racism, but police brutality.  This and reports of the virus affecting minorities at a higher rate have unveiled once again inequalities in many U.S. systems (health care, job opportunities, education). The nation known as the United States is anything but united.

We are in need of a great healing. We are need of a massive understanding and education about systemic racism and to adapt an empathetic spirit which can bring equality to all people. 

We need to take action.  We need to be more than "not racist". We need to be anti-racist.

We as a country need changes that will effectively better the lives of our indigenous people of color who have suffered and been suppressed for too long.  We need to come together on issues that will not only bring much peace to our nation, but bring a physical healing and a stop to the transmission of a virus that has crippled us.  I wish us all the best. 

 

Day 132

On this 22nd day of the month of July in the year 2020,

a pandemic continues...but today forgoing all statistics, numbers, rates and projected numbers I will write about music.

And share with you a playlist for 2020 taking in to consideration all of the current events of the year.  I will not be posting links to these songs only a simple list with both song title and artist.  It will be up to you to search out the music you deem worth listening to either based on the title or artist that most tickles your fancy.  So without further ado I present Jack Brando's 2020 playlist aka music for a cozy lock down by government issue or How to start a revolution in three easy steps. 

In no particular order:

1. Pale Shelter by Tears for Fears

2. Germ Patrol by Egg

3. One step at a Time by Electric Light Orchestra

4. When the world is running down by The Police

5. To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang Chung

6. Hidden in the World of Dawn by Genesis

7. Panic by The Smiths

8. When the Shit hits the Fan by The Circle Jerks

9. The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel

10. Wild World by Cat Stevens

11. All by Myself by Eric Carmen

12. (Last night) I didn't get to sleep at all by The 5th Dimension

13. You and me Against the World by Helen Reddy

14. Bullet with Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins

15. We got to Get outta of this Place by The Animals

16. Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix

17. One by Three Dog Night

18. Let the Sky Fall by Ten Years After

19. Revolution by The Beatles

20. Fuck tha Police by N.W.A.

21. Change by Rebecca Sugar,, Jeff Liu and Aivi & Surasshu (from the Steven Universe Movie)

22. Grinding Halt by The Cure

23. Kingdom of Doom by The Good, the Bad and the Queen

24. Time for Heroes by The Libertines

25. I wanna be Sedated by The Ramones

26. Solitary Confinement by The Weirdos

27. What the World Needs Now by Jackie DeShannon

28. America by Public Nuisance

29. While my Castles Burning by Roger Rodier

30. Move on by An Emotional Fish

31. The Revolution will Not be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron

Bonus: Check out the entire album entitled For the Whole World to See by Death

It was recorded in 1975 but lay dormant until 2009 when it was discovered and released. 

There is also a 2012 documentary entitled A Band Called Death 

Happy listening! 

Day 131

July 20, 2020 Monday morning. Pleasant weather as birds chirp on cloudless day in Colorado. It is summer, but in some ways it does not feel like it. No summer trips planned. No summer concert tickets. No baseball games to attend. (although baseball actually will be played this week- there is still no indication whether or not fans will be allowed to attend the games) No summer like any other. 

Our first pandemic together (as if) and hopefully the last. 

In a recent interview our POTUS made several false statements regarding the United States and COVID-19.  He claimed we have the lowest death rate in the world. This is not true as we rank fifth in the world behind Sweden, Italy, Spain and the U.K. and just ahead of Brazil. Unfortunately, we may continue to climb this chart as our numbers keep increases while other countries are seeing an increase in both cases and deaths. 

He also stated that the reason are numbers are high is because of the number of tests we are conducting. In some way this is true as with any tests the more you administer the more results. However, the U.S. is also reporting the highest number of positive results. So we remain an outlier because our death rate and new case totals continue to climb. This shows our inability to control the spread.

He also claimed his response has saved millions of lives. Well, who's to say...

At the current death toll in the U.S. at nearly 140,000 let us just hope it never gets in the millions.

When people hear these statements and do not look at the true facts or gain another perspective they are not thinking on an efficient level.  To truly think like a smart person we must analyze and study what we read and hear. The most intelligent people in the world take the time to do these things.  The do not make rash or emotional decisions nor report on information impulsively.  They first check the data against additional sources and establish credible support before believing or repeating said information.

In these times of information overload as well as intense circumstances such as a pandemic it is more important to check your facts, research other opinions and to rely on trustworthy sources.

The following is an article from the N.Y. Times on how the current administration has failed to control the virus since April. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-response-failure-leadership.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20200719&instance_id=20443&nl=the-morning&regi_id=123306348&segment_id=33788&te=1&user_id=73f6061144fbbfd1811d3627c70dd2c4

Even though this is the most uniquely, boring summer of all time. There is still life to be lived and "being" with close friends a family is still possible.  On Thursday Major League Baseball will begin. You can listen to or watch the games from the pleasant and safe confines of your backyard. You can attend outside events like farmers markets and wine tasting and botanical gardens. You can hold your own music concert or dance party in the privacy of your home. You can begin a new hobby or catch up on reading or de-clutter your garage or attic. Gardening and home projects are always good for the benefit of your mind as well as your home value. 

What have we really missed out on?

Expensive movie tickets? Overpriced restaurant food? Exuberant airline costs with more restrictions and less freedoms? Over spending at the mall? (do be careful of online buying-it's easily addictive)

So, all in all, we have saved money while increasing quality time with family.  Boosted our home values and increased our reading quotas. And most importantly you have strengthened the synapses in your brain by taking walks and exercising regularly, meditating more, cutting back responsibility and avoiding over-scheduling, stimulating your brain with new sensory input and taking on new challenges, and absorbing new knowledge through books and podcasts. 

The pandemic may be a large pain and it may have cost us some good times, but it may have improved your memory and built a few new synapses in your brain.

By the end of the pandemic you may be smarter, more fit and wealthier!

ich wünsche dir das Allerbeste (I wish you all the best- in German) 

Day 130

Sunday July 19, 2020 Yesterday afternoon, rather unexpectedly, Denver Public Schools announced they will be starting the year by teaching remotely for the first two weeks of school. The district states the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Denver metro area was the main influence in making the decision.  It hopes to return to school in person sometime in the fall as long as it is safe to do so. Now we wait to see how nearby districts in Colorado will react. In the meantime the U.S. is a complete mess.  It's failure to handle the virus and keep transmissions down has us now in a situation where hospitals are being overwhelmed, fear and panic are on many minds as school years are about month away and we still have a mask war going on.  We have been denied entry into nearly every country in the world. If that does not tell us something then we will not wake up from this nightmare until it may be too late. The state of Florida had 15,000 cases in one day last week.  The country of South Korea has yet to reach 15,000 cases since the pandemic began. 

Washington state, an early epicenter for the virus in the U.S., has had a recent wave of new cases. Reporting on average 700 a day last week. The seven day average in the U.S. is 65,000+ cases a day. 

At 14 million cases in the world and with other countries reporting raising case numbers it is fairly safe to say the pandemic is not leaving anytime soon. It is almost certain the infection rates will remain similar throughout the remainder of this year (and may worsen come cold and flu season).  It appears our hope lies in a vaccine, but a vaccine is not a guarantee.  If one can even be created at all.  Trying to remain positive during this time is a task many are finding nearly impossible.  Much of our anxiety is caused by a hopelessness felt due to an unknown future. The future has always been unknown and because we pine for it to be better and different and filled with pleasure is the reason our minds resemble Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail.  In our minds we have created this vicious circle of chasing something better in hopes of finding it and thus making our lives better.  The tragedy in seeking happiness is we will never be satisfied.  We are continuously looking for the bigger, better next thing.  We are always looking to the future for the next moment.  The next amazing memory we can create and cram into our subconscious past only to be recalled when we want to remember how great the past was and then project a future that will be even grander.  Stay focused on the here and now. Embrace, what Eckart Tolle calls, the "joy of being".  He speaks of shift from "doing" to "being. As in being in the moment. Many of us have found ourselves trying to "do" things during the pandemic to keep ourselves busy and distracted, but there is peace to be found in the quiet moments of just being.  I remember a number of years ago, after feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything I was entangled in, I decided on a strategy I called "do less with more time". Similar to the "less is more" philosophy I found myself just wanting more time to myself. Time in which I could dedicate to reading, writing, hobbies or just simply sitting and relaxing in others being, not doing. In the process of becoming more mindful and attempting to simply "be" you may find your subconscious mind resists.  The urge to "do" something or the minds way of fretting and feeling anxious over the current state of affairs or the fear of what the future may hold.  These are normal obstacles we all face and the main reason why meditation is, for some, a difficult concept and an even more difficult task.  But, As Jon Kabat-Zinn states, "Meditation is the only intentional, systematic human activity which at bottom is about not trying to improve yourself or get anywhere else, but simply to realize where you already are."

Meditation and the art of "being" in the moment and staying present is not a magic pill to be swallowed. It is not a secret potion made to drink and fix you. The fact is life is not simple and it cannot be "let go" of by sitting quietly in your garden or emptying your head.  It is filled with emotions and feelings and desires. It is the feeling we ought to strive in our attempt to "be".  To truly live life is to feel all of it. The pain, the joy and the spontaneity of your incredible existence. Ironically (or maybe purposely) the second definition of exist in the dictionary is to, "live, especially under adverse conditions." 

A world pandemic certainly would fall under the term adverse condition.  So instead of eating your own tail, no matter what the day brings you.... be and feel each day and live. 

 

Day 129

Saturday July 18, 2020

On the whole, when it comes to the virus outbreak known as COVID-19, we are in the same place we have been for most of the month .  The world is navigating a pandemic caused by a virus primarily transmitted by human interaction. Infected aerosols which are passed from one person to another via conversation, sneezing, coughing or singing have led to outbreaks in nearly every country in the world and have resulted in 14 million cases worldwide while taking the lives of nearly 600,000. 

     The U.S. Brazil, South Africa and India account for two-thirds of the total cases.  Countries like Italy, France and Spain were hit hard and we lost many Spaniards, Italians and French. In the condition we find ourselves the only thing people are focused on is the future and the end of the pandemic. However, it may be a better to approach the current situation with the idea that this is the future.  By accepting the pandemic and it's prevention strategies we can ultimately cut down on the transmission and allow time to run it's course.  Time is an element  we do not control.  We like to think we do with clocks and watches and calendars, but the reality is time controls us.  We look to the future and the past more than the present.  And so we are mostly living through our subconscious minds and missing out on the conscious presence of ourselves, the people around us and the natural beauty that the world has to offer. By focusing on the now we can address the problems we face with viable solutions (wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, sound familiar?).  This is not say by doing these things life will return to normal quicker, to think so you are missing the point.  The way the world is operating around the pandemic is the way the world will operate for a foreseeable time. The problem is the U.S. and other countries are not operating correctly.  This article from STAT is a valuable source of ways we can held slow the spread of the virus. https://www.statnews.com/2020/07/14/fix-covid-19-dumpster-fire-us/

Yesterday I spoke about finding quiet time with just your thoughts. Away from the continuous flow of negative garbage in the news and on our screens.  I want to take the time today to share more about your thoughts. I realize not all of us has complete control over our thoughts.  Well what I mean is we actually do have control.  You see our core beliefs, created from words spoken to us as well as our own thoughts, we believe as truths.  The program running in your mind is made of words spoken to you and words spoken by you. These words have molded you into the person you are today. In some cases that is, a confident, self-assured positive person who believes in all they do and has the confidence to take on goals and see them through. On the other hand some of us may feel like we are unsure of everything we do, we are not capable of taking on new goals for we will surely fail in our endeavor and we may feel as though trying is useless. 

Therefore, these thoughts, which we may repeat in our head, become the basis for our decisions.  If we believe we will fail, we will probably not take the risk in trying. Thus, we create a negative self-image and the belief system that we are a failure. These are beliefs we can change. They begin with “I” statements. Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, “I am no good at this” when in the middle of a project or taking on a new task? Often these beliefs are ingrained because someone made us feel this way. Someone said something negative to you and you believed it. Possibly repeated to you over several years. The undoing of this is not necessarily easy, but most definitely possible.

 These thoughts/beliefs are deep in your subconscious.  Most of the time you may not even realize they are there. The key is to move them from the subconscious to the conscious and change them.  First, you must be aware of what thoughts you have, particularly when they are negative. They usually upset us in some way. When you can catch those thoughts and feelings and ask yourself the reasons why you are upset.  In most cases, you will be able to trace the reasons back to the original thought or time when someone said words that hurt you.  We find them and change them. We create new thoughts based on new reasons.  Deep down we know these negative thoughts are not absolutes and will not occur every time.  Therefore, we manifest a new conditioning and tell ourselves:    “I am successful. I do things to the best of my ability and they usually turn out great!”

By rewiring our core beliefs into a positive self-language, we can switch our thinking into one that will help us rather than hinder us.

After watching the Bruce Lee documentary, Be Water, I started re-reading his book Striking thoughts-Wisdom for Daily Living.

 I initially read this during the school year. Each morning in my office, prior to teaching my first class, I would sift the book for inspiration and allow his words to influence my teaching. I found it to be uplifting and focusing. I often shared the words with my students in hopes of enlightening them to new philosophies on life. 

 Bruce Lee, on thoughts, "You are the commander of your mind... I realize that I am the power that commands the feeling of my mind and from which circumstances grow" In your mind you have the power to create your own circumstance. By not allowing outside influences to change your mind you keep control within and ultimately decide your future. Bruce again says, "The mind moves in response to the ten thousand situations, but remains ever the same"

Day 128

Today is Friday July 17, 2020

Recently Maren and I went on a hike. It was a beautiful hike near Evergreen with lots of shade and all kinds of terrain. Some parts were a dirt trail inside evergreens with scattered wildflowers, other areas were rocky stairs and some parts of the 5 mile hike were rocks made smooth by a river. We crossed bridges and streams and saw green fields. We had saw about a dozen or so other hikers along our way and each time we passed we put up our masks as did they if they were wearing them at all.  Even at an elevation of 7,000 feet we are reminded of this damnable pandemic. 

Every day is another day of massive infections and deaths. Since July 9, 2020 no less than 20 countries are experiencing increases in new cases. With the world total at 13.6 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths and numbers still rising there appears to be no respite in the near future. No ease from the pain and suffering and fear we endure each day.  A vaccine seems to be our only hope as social distancing and mask wearing are precautions only a percentage of the world is adhering to. In the U.S. there are still roughly 11% of the population who have not considered wearing a mask. Quick...11% of 330 million is...roughly 36 million people moving about the country possibly spreading a disease which is known to be symptom free at times.  It's no wonder most countries have closed their borders to U.S. citizens. 

Because so much of the world chatter today is about the pandemic and most of that is downright negative and hopeless it only makes sense to be mindful and close yourself off from the incessant pessimism that is pervading our televisions, newspapers and digital devices. 

Got solitude?

If not, find some. Be sure each day to put aside a part of the day to be alone with your thoughts. Thoughts not influenced by viruses and projections and fears. Instead allow your mind to wander to places of joy.  Why solitude? Why not just put down the phone or turn off the telly? Because in solitude you do not talk. (if you do then there are other issues to be dealt with...but i digress)

It's the rehashing of the same pandemic numbers, problems and fears that makes us anxious. 

But in solitude we have just our thoughts.  

Thoughts we can guide to a place of peace. 

Thoughts we can control.

Poet Kahil Gibran writes in his most famous work,  The Prophet , 

"You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly."

Each and every day we ought to give our thoughts the power of flight. Not to be shared aloud, but kept to ourselves in the quiet moments where your head is straight and your feet are grounded.

When I am in these quiet moments I recall quotes or sayings I know to be inspiring.

I try to remember that all things pass. Present becomes past and future the new present. Things change and if we focus on the positive, the change will be positive.

The idea that I did not want to move backwards, only forwards, keeps me looking to the next opportunity to improve my current purchase.

I find, staying present and having an authentic understanding of who I am and what I can control at this moment in time, is also helpful.

Be of strong mind and plant thyself to the earth and to your faith.           The road is long.

I wish you all the best.

Day 127

In psychology today an article was written on resilience. I found it to be both uplifting and helpful during this time of trauma.  Resilience is defined as an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.  Something as overwhelming and misunderstood as a pandemic can leave us hopeless and psychologically drained.  It may not be easily adjusted to as the definition states, but having the ability to recover and adjust at your own pace is important for all of us to heal and move forward. 

Resilience is built by optimism and a positive attitude along with having the ability to regulate emotions and see setback as helpful criticism thus giving us the necessary means to adapt and recover from traumatic events, ill-health and loss.  Some believe there is a predisposition to resilience, but also much is influenced by environment and circumstance particularly early on in life.  So it seems we either have it or get it by luck or fortune or serendipity, but resilience can be built up or made stronger with strategies in place.  Having health habits like diet, restful sleep and regular exercise can help build confidence and reduce stress, both factors in strengthening your resolve. Nurturing close relationships is helpful in creating a support system which one can call on in time of need.  One sure-fire way to strengthen resilience is to fail. ..wait what?

Yes failure is the great learning tool. We all fail, many times over, so being able to learn from mistakes and move forward is a key to future success and it builds resilience when we recover and adjust accordingly.  Each time we fail is another chance to succeed.      

During these trying times resilience is something we all need. It can be an important factor in making it through this pandemic with a sense of sanity and clarity for the future. Undoubtedly, this will not be the last traumatic event the world experiences. In my lifetime of 54 years I have seen war, terrorism, strikes, protests, riots, assassinations, mass murder and an array of natural disasters. We all must reach deep during these times to strengthen the inner core of our belief systems to create hope for a better tomorrow.  We must find the resolve to go on each day.  To live and thrive in this one world we have been placed with this one opportunity to create, educate and investigate.  To be searchers in a vast world of unknowns and pass on our findings to loved ones and future generations. To experience all there is to experience. To open our eyes wide to the world around us and all it has to offer. From the bottom of the ocean to the highest peaks there is beauty to behold and all along the way people to interact with and learn from and be awed by. We owe it to those we interact with to be awe-inspiring as well. To be the best we can be. 

You may not have all the answers you need right now in order to solve the crisis you are in, but by maintaining a positive attitude, relying on familial or close relationships, taking care of your health and learning from your mistakes can go along way in being the pillar of strength you wish to be and enduring through this pandemic and other life crises as they arise. 

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” - Samuel Beckett

 

Day 126

Wednesday July 15, 2020

Science fiction is the literature of the human species encountering change, whether it arrives via scientific discoveries, technological innovations, natural events, or societal shifts. In 1949, George Stewart wrote a science fiction novel entitled Earth Abides about civilization collapsing under the effects of a disease which wipes out most humans and they must build anew. On the book was this quote:"If a killing type of virus strain should suddenly arise by mutation...it could, because of the rapid transportation in which we indulge nowadays, be carried to the far corners of the earth and cause the deaths of millions of people." W. M. Stanley


This is not science fiction, but in fact it was published in Chemical and Engineering News, December 22, 1947.
So much of the current pandemic feels like we are trapped inside a science fiction novel or film.


The ludicrous way many humans have dealt with the virus outbreak including government officials, heads of state and general people in charge. The insanity that has ensued in some places like people throwing COVID parties and people panic buying. The extreme levels of isolation and complete denial. The way in which this virus outbreak has become political. The horror stories that have come out of Italy and New York (two epicenters of the disease during the last four months) wherein doctors had to make choices on who was given a ventilator due to the number of cases all coming in at the same time. And of course the number of deaths reported at times in different regions (again Italy and New York, but also Spain, France, Britain, Brazil and India) Overall the virus has infected 13. 3 million people and the death toll is over 575,000. These numbers alone make it sound like fiction, but in fact it is very real and continues to throttle our world in many ways.
From unemployment to economy to education we as a human existence have been damaged probably beyond repair. The economy could take years to recover as small and large businesses continue to fold (so far 110,000 small businesses have shut down) which directly affects the unemployment rate. The loss of quality education is going to have repercussions for all school age children.


Science fiction would say it's natures way of dealing with mass population.
Again George Stewart in Earth Abides,writes, "Some zoologists have even suggested a biological law: that the number of individuals in a species never remains constant, but always rises and falls—the higher the animal and the slower its breeding-rate, the longer its period of fluctuation [...] As for man, there is little reason to think that he can in the long run escape the fate of other creatures, and if there is a biological law of flux and reflux, his situation is now a highly perilous one....Biologically, man has for too long a time been rolling an uninterrupted run of sevens"

Even the bible (some might say it is a sort-of science fiction novel) agrees. In Ecclesiastes 1:4 — "Men go and come, but earth abides."

Day 125

July 14, 2020 

This is a pandemic. And nothing, beside sitting in your house feels the same. We are feeling the pressures of going back to school in-person. We are living in a country that is not unified. Our United States is now the Divided States of America and we are not handling the pandemic very well. The infections and deaths in our country are higher than any other. The push to reopen the economy is coming with a cost, a human life cost and we may be like this for quite some time. Even with a vaccine the world as we know it will most likely never be the same. Even though in 2003 there a coronavirus called SARS and we were able to get it under control within one years time without a vaccine. There are differences between the two viruses and they are documented here:  https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-vs-sars.

The biggest of these differences is how easily COVID-19 is spread. Mostly due to asymptomatic carriers or mild cases in which little symptoms appear and thus people continue to move about and spread it to others. Because SARS was more serious in nature and the symptoms were evident right away the spread was contained through quarantine and tracing. It's also possible that because the death rates are different, with SARS being the more deadly of the two, people are not taking COVID-19 as serious. It is important to note both of these are coronaviruses and it may not be the last one we see. And since no vaccine was found for SARS there is no guarantee one will be created for COVID-19 aka SARS-2. In 2003, eight-thousand people were infected with SARS. In 2019 and so far over 12.5 million have been infected and since many are not taking the proper precautions to stop the spread of the virus, much of our world is being infected and affected. People want answers and they have been given them- social distance, wear a mask, avoid touching your face and wash you hands more than usual. Yet for many these are not the answers they want. There is so much unknown not much we know about the future.

Is that not the way it has always been? We cannot predict what will happen. We can only prepare and act. It is in our preparedness, or lack thereof, and our actions where we have failed and it seems will continue to do so until...who knows when.

In this case Jim Morrison's words apply,    "The future's uncertain and the end is always near"

Which is why we ought to prepare for life being very different going forward.

Day 124

July 13, 2020

As the pandemic gets increasingly worrisome, especially in the United States where surge is happening in almost every region of the nation, it occurs to me this is current reality.  What Alan Watts calls, " the great stream, the eternal now" and what we call life.  Because life is always in motion. Life is change. Life and death are one in the same.  Movement of our souls, our beings, our bodies from one realm (if you are religious) to another. And all of these "words do not give life; they merely symbolize it" says Watts.

Today's symbols are 12.5 million people in the world have contracted coronavirus and 3.2 million are Americans.  We as humans first uttered words (how amazing to think of what it first felt like to call someone by their name instead of as grunt) then we figured out how to write them down. The symbols (words) we right down are not real life.  They are entertainment for our conscious minds to claim and store away for the purpose of trying to understand life.

To be still is to die, but to move is to live.

Rebecca Elson was not yet forty when she passed from non-Hodgkins-Lymphoma. Yet she left behind her a legacy of over 50 scientific essays and a poem anthology entitled A Responsibility to Awe and inside was a short poem called Evolution: "We are survivors of immeasurable events, flung upon some reach of land, small wet miracles without instructions, only the imperative of change." 

Of course she saw us humans as survivors.  We have endured.  We have outlasted war, famine, natural disasters, plagues and disease beyond imagination.  We will survive the pandemic.

Naturally, some will not. This is the order of things beyond our comprehension. (We know not truly whence we came-evolution or creation- and we will not know the second of our death)

The fact is human life will continue and progress and digress as it has for centuries.  Why? Well because Ms. Elson tells us in her words. We are indeed miracles. Although our bodies are finite and destructible they still posses amazing powers of strength, endurance and recovery.  But as she stated, without instructions.  This leaves us to our one and only creative device, our brain, which has enabled us to not only survive, but thrive. Sending rockets into space, performing scientific marvels and incredible medical operations to prolong life. Most importantly, our natch for survival of these immeasurable events is the critical element of change.  How crucial it is for us to adapt and overcome? It is all the answers to all the questions. (although many go unanswered-ah, the mysteries of existence!) Change is peace talks, the industrial evolution, the invention of things big and small and vaccines. We will create a vaccine. It must be. It is our destiny to survive, to change, keep on keeping on. It is what we have done and will continue to do for eons and beyond. 

Je vous souhaite le meilleur (I wish you all the best- translated from French)