Gifts from Strangers, Week 19 in the Time of Coronavirus
I hadn’t anticipated it, but yesterday was an enriching day. It started out hot and humid, and I knew that if I was going to get out, I wasn’t going to be able to move at a clipped pace. I was wary of taking my bike out, believing that the park would be crowded, and I just needed something less populated. So, I ventured out on foot listening to a new book Speak No Evil by Uzodinma Iweala, a Nigerian-American author. It’s beautifully written and the readers are terrific.
My destination was a Cambodian restaurant, the only one in the city. I had read about it but had never visited. I saw that it was closing at the end of the month, and so used it as a destination. I would order take-out and carry our dinner home. Though I couldn’t go inside, when I stepped up to pay, I viewed a stunning interior. There were Buddhist art pieces and Cambodian décor. The owner was there, and she was more than gracious. So kind and generous, offering extra side dishes and beverages. She was losing her restaurant to the pandemic, and yet wanted to treat me to something extra. Her kindness softened my spirit.
Then, in the evening, I was tired but not sleepy, so I perused Amazon, Apple TV, and finally Netflix. It was there that I found an intriguing documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor. It’s the story of Walter Mercado, a famous Puerto Rican star who brought joy to so many with his astrology readings. He was an amazing man, and I was moved by his humanity, and fanciful lust for life.
I had to put the film on pause as I was finding out about his rise to fame. Lucy had to be walked, and I was the only one home who was awake. I was frustrated but these things can’t wait. We went out to our stoop. I wasn’t sure if she just wanted to be out in the hot night air, or if she really had to go. Either way, she was on pause at the bottom of the steps. It was then that I heard a group chanting. I saw a few cyclists on their bikes leave what looked to be a rally. Then I heard peaceful chanting, “Black Lives Matter!” I realized that the weekly bicycle rally for the Black Lives Matter movement ended their ride in front of Gracie Mansion, the temporary residence of the Mayor. It’s just down the block from our building.
There was such camaraderie. It was all peaceful. Cops were acting as escorts. I witnessed fellowship. And, there was so much hope. I felt so fortunate to be a bystander to the positive power. Shortly thereafter Lucy and I were up and on the move. They had all cycled away by the time Lucy completed her walk. And, then I was able to finish watching the film. I went to bed later than usual and fully inspired.
So often during the time of Coronavirus, I have felt as if the days are long and so little gets done. But yesterday, though I did little, I was given so many gifts. They were all provided by individuals from other races and ethnic backgrounds. How rich life is when we learn and grow because we are in touch those who are different than us.
Self-care Tips:
*Enjoy something outside your familiar patterns. It could be a new cuisine, a virtual look at an international museum, reading a writer you don’t know, or simply noticing things around you that may have slipped your gaze previously
*Pause. When you are feeling overwhelmed, or you’re about to act impulsively in a way that may not support you, take a moment. Be conscious of your breath. Take in a few things that surround you. And, then reassess what you want your next action to be.
*Notice at least one thing that brought you pleasure at the end of your day. Of course, it could be more. Maybe it was a beam of light from your window that played on a surface. Or, perhaps it was a chat with a friend. In this way you double your pleasure as you think about those moments again.
*Keep it simple. These times are trying for most, so it helps to keep things simple when we can to alleviate extra stress.
*Do something from your childhood. Whether you choose to play a game of hopscotch on your sidewalk, skip down the block, or sing a childhood song, finding childhood pleasures is an easy way to bring joy on.
