Going with the Flow
28 of 3,231
Letter to editor
Sharon Carlson <sharon.carlson08@gmail.com>
Jan 4, 2022, 2:40 PM (10 days ago)
to Opinion
If history is any indication, this budding new year of 2022 has me wondering what’s next. Uncertainty hangs in the air. Through fits and starts we may finally see an end to this pandemic….. or not. We may have to live with this virus, along with evolving societal woes for years to come.
My wish however, hinges on a sense of ease and “flow.” Living in extreme weather climates, especially during a pandemic illustrates how our paths are disjointed and compartmentalized. For example, hurried and annoying preparation is required to leave the house these days. Let’s face it, masks, cellphones, ignition fobs, purse and wallets, glasses, jackets, gloves or hats are items needed to facilitate going out and about.
City dwellers are not immune to this lack of “flow” either because walking out the door means entering the hallway, then taking the elevator, or stairs out to the street to wait for transportation. Walking to a destination is not feasible if it is too far away. Oh Bah humbug! Parents with children in tow have it far more challenging. I applaud their herculean efforts!
Sadly, the work world and school systems across our nation have no “flow” due to Covid. Hybrid office work, distance learning, in person learning, some days you’re in, some days you’re out is discombobulating. Unfortunately, the hours we occupy maybe jumbled and disordered because we are constantly trying to figuring out our next move. My frustration has me wondering, “Why can’t I simply open my front door, ease on down the road and join everyone else?” Where is the flow? Why are my connections to family, friends and business associates mostly online? It’s boring and lonely for goodness’ sake! Admittedly, these are champagne problems, yet, the lack of continuity and “flow” is irksome. Despite the hassles, I realize, it’s important to get out and immerse myself in the world. Smooth transitions beckon.
Our ordinary daily life it seems, goes far beyond what we highlight as important rites of passage, large special events or exotic travel displayed on social media, photo albums or Christmas cards. It is not real life, it’s only half the story! Conversely, it is the quotidian daily “flow” of connections we make through time and space that is truly significant.
With the ups and downs and topsy turvy of our existence, if we can’t seem to find the “flow” in our physical world perhaps in our spiritual “mind’s eye” we can envision stillness and tranquility. Much of life is spent conjuring up new thoughts and dreams after all. 2022 just might be the year we choose to ease on down the road and simply, playfully, “go with the flow.”
Let’s have a happy new year!
