Hope and Confidence

I wish I could turn my attention to other matters and write as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening out there in the world. Unfortunately, the current moment is anything but ordinary. The COVID-19 virus and society’s necessary response to it have entirely upended business as usual and the normalcy of our lives.

Thankfully, people increasingly understand how serious a threat the disease is and are doing their part to minimize its transmission. Efforts to stem the rapid spread of the coronavirus are ramping up dramatically. Physical distancing and sheltering in place are absolutely necessary to “flatten the curve” of exponential growth in the number of cases. Slowing that growth will ease the burden upon heroic healthcare providers battling courageously to save lives and protect others.

Moving forward—at least for the short term—I’ll do my best not to obsess over the impacts of the pandemic, regardless of their seriousness. My office is doing fine for now. To the best of our knowledge, none of our staff nor their immediate family members have contracted the virus. As I mentioned in last week’s post, working remotely is proving effective. Had this crisis occurred even just a few short years ago, we might not have been able to carry on.

I will return with my next post to blogging about architectural design, professional practice, and urban design-related topics of interest to me. Distractions during this concerning time are healthy; writing for my blog is an example of such a distraction.

Another distraction I’m looking forward to is connecting with my fellow Eugene Taiko members. We’re planning the first of what may be an ongoing series of virtual group meetings via Zoom web conferencing. We’re so used to meeting regularly for practices and performances that we’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms as a consequence of the enforced social distancing. While we won’t be able to drum together, we will be able to connect as a group, share stories about how we’re coping, and maintain our kinship.

Looking past the immediate horizon, everyone should expect to sustain the efforts to slow the virus’ spread for many weeks, if not months. The fallout is and will continue to be a reeling economy, with no prospect in sight for a speedy recovery. Many face hardships as jobs are lost and opportunities for social connection and support are drastically curtailed. Community support systems are being stretched to the limit.

Finding creative and socially responsible ways to connect and help others during this difficult time will greatly help. Call or text your neighbors (particularly the elderly) to make sure they’re doing okay. Explore ways to connect and volunteer virtually. Buy vouchers from struggling local businesses. Support a food bank, or help others grow their own food. Google “how to help others during the coronavirus outbreak” for lists of other suggestions for how you can stay connected in your community and in the process help yourself.

The coronavirus reports from Italy in particular have been absolutely horrific. The pandemic has ravaged the country. The volume of new cases each day now numbers in the thousands, and the number of deaths many hundreds. And yet, under total lockdown the Italians have displayed an indomitable spirit. Engaging in “flash mob sonora,” people sing and play instruments (some makeshift) from their balconies and windows. Doing so, they maintain precious bonds and display solidarity with their neighbors through a mutual love of music and life. Suffering the worst imaginable effects of the pandemic, the Italians are enduring with fortitude and heart. Seeing this collective joy in the face of tragedy and travails gives me hope and confidence we can all persevere.