The practical manifestation of this meant committing to zero controversial flapping of the jaw.
No making unsolicited commentary about masks, or even “helpful“ remarks. It’s taken nearly two years, but I’m finally noticing that complaint and agitation, at least the way I’ve experienced it, doesn’t change a thing.
None of the harried shopkeepers ripped down the Orwellian signs dictating that we mask up and social distance, shouting, Hallelujah! Let’s all be free.
But, oddly, despite continuing mandates, it doesn’t feel so sinister to me anymore. That might be because now I never actually wear the mask; I keep it below both mouth and nose, a peculiar, rather festive cloth beard.
I also don’t care much what others do. Let them wear their properly fitted masks and line up for an endless series of jabs if it makes them feel safe. Some of us are still allowed some degree of “to each their own,” even in bluest of blue California.
*****
Simon Parkes commented in his January 5 update that a large number of people are refusing to wear masks in grocery stores in Great Britain, something he noted was nearly unheard of a year ago. Something both intangible and tangible is unmistakably changing.
There was a level of lightness to the atmosphere out there today, an irrepressible buoyancy and a live-and-let-live attitude I haven’t observed in nearly two years. The fact that I did not pull the mask up over my nose and nobody complained is extraordinary.
In a January 4 update, Janine remarked that “you can literally almost taste that things are happening, and it’s going to be intense.” (1) Simon talked about “markers being reached.” To me, today feels like the attainment of a personal marker, both shaky and solid, like Jello cooling in the fridge.
*****
Still, I don’t know where things are headed in the immediate future. California has dictated that everyone must wear masks indoors at least through February 14. The Santa Barbara hospital monopoly has prohibited nearly all inpatient visits for an indefinite period, whether visitors are vaccinated or not.
The transit district has canceled numerous bus routes because in addition to previous staff shortages, many drivers are now out “because of Covid.“
It’s illogical, unsupported by actual facts, but although it seems to be getting darker and darker out there, all I’m sensing is the brightening of the light. Somehow, I feel sure that the unmasking of all the truths is just around the corner.
Whatever happens, or doesn’t, I will remember: May kindness be my watchword, and open be my heart.
(1) “Tarot By Janine Looks at Phil’s Decode of Mr. T’s Announcement,” 1/4/22, https://tinyurl.com/34pxsrpn. She also speaks a lot about joy that’s coming our way in her USA Update, 1/5/22, https://tinyurl.com/33ef26xt