3/1/2020 The antidote to fear is work
This first day of March dawned bright here in Ellensburg, with promises of a mild late winter day. Mild is welcomed, as there are so many wild events happening around us.
We learned of the first death inside the U.S. from covid-19, and a potential cluster of infections just over the mountains in the Kirkland area. We send loving thoughts to all who are directly affected by the loss and all who are dealing with fear of loss.
Fear could be the theme of the week: we are issued regular invitations to fear something. A virus, the outcome of a primary, the media, a group of people crossing borders, on and on. Stories are told to engage our fears.
But we can tell these same stories in ways that engage our commitment, our optimism, our unity. When we are in fear, our bodies and brains want to see things in a binary way: fight or flee, danger or safety, go or stay. When we are in commitment, our bodies relax and our brains are able to process more complexity. Fear divides; work unites. Fear can paralyze; work activates and empowers.
The story of the spread of this virus can also be the story of communities coming together to prioritize access to health care. It can remind us that no matter our own circumstances, in this global community the health of each of us is only as safe as the health of all of us. No one can be left out. We are all in this together.
As we work through this tremendous challenge to the health of our communities together, wash your hands often. Wear gloves. Save masks for those who are ill; masks protect others from our germs. Get lots of rest, and seek medical care if your symptoms concern you.
And let's commit to continuing our work for health care access for all. Whatever specific plan makes sense to you, work for it: any progress we make will save lives. The desire for healthy communities is universal. Working toward this goal has never been more important.
Sent, as always, with love and gratitude for your companionship on this journey,
Liz