I didn’t feel like riding or writing yesterday – the weather was overcast and so was I. No musings for Day 22. The sun is out today however with a blazing blue sky so I’m back on the Schwinn, riding along the beach road I took on my first day out. I think they trimmed the sea grape foliage because the beach is more visible than last week.
I found a roadside bench in the shade with a sea view today. Before I left home we called mom on FaceTime and saw the cut and bruises on her forehead and face. She was nodding off after her lunch and I’m not sure if she recognized us. When I get back we’re going to drop off an Easter basket with some chocolates along with a blooming Easter lily plant which they may or may not allow us to leave for her.
I’m feeling grateful today for the idyllic weather, the sound of the sea as I write, the salty breeze and the extraordinary shade of green of the new shiny growth of the sea grape leaves, with a bright red spine dividing each leaf perfectly in half.
I’m grateful for the anonymous bikers and joggers I pass, nod to and say “hey”. I’m grateful for family and friends and the ability to communicate with them on Zoom, What’s App and Facebook.
Yesterday an old boyfriend of mine from the 80s when I lived in NYC, contacted me via my retreat center in Peru who forwarded me his email. Our last contact was in 2006, when he lived in London and was moving to Moscow, a high up honcho in the financial world. He called me from Connecticut “because of everything that’s happening.” He has family and in-laws sick with the virus. It made him feel “spiritual”, he said, “so I thought of you.” That made me laugh.
I spoke with a friend of my mom’s last night with whom I hadn’t connected in five years. People I don’t know well on my Facebook have sent the kindest messages about my musings. I’ve also received notes from high school classmates I knew 50 years ago, as well as former Munay-Ki students of mine from around the world. I love Facebook for that. I’m grateful.
I’m aware there are others not as fortunate. I wonder what people do who don’t have phones or access to social media? They get to social distance “lockdown” alone or worse yet, with drunk and dangerous family members having no way to get help. Isolation can be hazardous to one’s health. My heart goes out to them. I pray the situation will change for the better sooner than later, for them and all of us.
But today I feel grateful for my many blessings and trust you do as well.
April 7, 2020