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Year Four, Day 332, Pandemic Times Day 81, "Stay Home - Stay Safe" Day 68: Farewell Vlog




Psalm 119:9-16 New International Version (NIV)


ב Beth

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.






Dear Friends:

Today is my last day of blogging and vlogging about the pandemic. I blogged for 81 days, since the coronavirus was deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization. When Washington State Governor Jay Inslee gave the stay home order, 68 days ago, I added a video from the park across the street.

It was a good run!  I stayed the course, blogging every single day whether I felt like it or not!  Follow through has become very important in my life. So I am proud of my accomplishment.!

I will continue my soulrunnings blog. There is always something to talk about, explore and ponder!

As we ease back into society, our normal has changed drastically. We will still be altering our behavior to discourage the spread of the virus. And hopefully, following the tragic, horrifying death of George Floyd, we will be altering our interactions, assumptions and beliefs with people who look different than us. Especially our black brothers and sisters. They have been oppressed for too long.  Their message is loud and clear, although it has been distorted by those that took it to a destructive and violent level.

It is important to note that the violence and destruction was perpetrated by people of all races. Several major cities called in the National Guard, implemented curfews and resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowds.  The aftermath was horrific. Our streets brought to mind Armageddon, the Zombie Apocolypse , or World War III.  Much destruction.

Tonight, Portland, Oregon Mayor Ted Wheeler has extended the curfew. There were a significant amount of protestors last night, especially downtown. Many arrests. But not as devastating as the night before. I guess that tear gas is working. I am saddened by the destruction to my beloved Portland, but I am outraged by the death of George Floyd. I support the right of the people to protest, but I still believe that peaceful protest is the answer. I heard many young people speak eloquent, intelligent, heart felt, brutally honest words on the news downtown before the violence erupted. Their message moved me to my core.

The fires and looting moved me in a different way. Sad, angry, disgusted. What a waste!  My hunch is that many of the people destroying property are the same people that protests in the recent pasts seem to draw.  Those who like to cause mass mayham and are walking paths of destruction. People that don't necessarily believe in the cause of the protest.  Some people speculate that there are people paid to create chaos during protests - those, perhaps on the opposite of whatever side the protestors are on.

As I watched in horror as our cities went up in flames, tempers flared, tear gas was released, I noticed the proximity of the protestors. Many with masks, but many without. I also did not recall seeing face masks on the policemen that were involved in George Floyd's murder.

It turns out, I am not the only one concerned.  The mass gatherings of the protestors, in close proximity could cause an upsurge in coronavirus cases.  We've come so far, I hope this is not the case!

https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2020/05/new-fears-of-coronavirus-outbreaks-as-protests-rage-across-us.html

Especially since the "Stay Home - Stay Safe" initiative here in Washington is expiring tonight at midnight. Governor Jay Inslee is allowing counties to ease into re-opening, by phases, as they are ready. Clark County's application to enter Phase 2 is currently being considered.

https://www.kpq.com/inslee-announces-new-proclamation-to-replace-expiring-stay-home-stay-safe-order/

I can hardly wait to go back to the gym! The library! A restaurant!

But as I type this, I am filled with apprehension. Life is different now. So I will be cautious. Face mask, gloves and hand sanitizer will be my constant companions.

I'm also working on strengthening my immune system.  I have been feeling tired and achy lately. And my asthma has flared a bit. I ordered some Vitamin C/Calcium/Magnesium powder and turmeric tea.

Plus, I am giving myself a Facebook curfew. I am an emotionally sensitive person. After focusing on pandemics, murder, protests and destruction  for more hours than I choose to admit, my pulse is racing. My head pounding.  I am going to unplug every night; read and listen to classical music.

I am also going to wake up earlier so I can do a longer Qi Gong workout.  And I am going to get back to regular piano practice.

I am ready to move forward, in a more intentional, peaceful, mindful, and healthy manner.

I hope you are too!

I will talk to you tomorrow. The pandemic is still here, but I am weary of discussing it!

Love,

Zita


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