Easter Rising [View all]

[H2O Man]

“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past.” – Isaiah 26:20


One of the things that I've found in my years of studying to be a hermit is that I find time to read everything from ancient texts to the Democratic Underground. Still, I recognize that this is a harsh time for some, and that there is anxiety and stress for many others. In the past thirty-six hours, I have spoken with several family members who are experiencing such difficulties. Several are having very hard times. I will try to summarize a few of the things that we have discussed for coping in times like these.

I do enjoy reading the writings attributed to Isaiah. I do not think his message is limited to the 8th century bc.”remember the former things of old” (46 ) and “look unto the rock whence you are hewn” (51:4) seem appropriate to me today, at this moment in the eternal Now. My 90 year old aunt and 92 year old uncle tell me about how the family survived hard times not limited to the Great Depression and WW2. I'm lucky that I can talk to them, and remember the stories that those who went before handed down about surviving hard times.

Not everyone has that type of thing available to them. But I can say that, without any question, generations of your family tree survived similar hardships. The proof is in the pudding – you wouldn't be reading this if your ancestors did not survive. You have their DNA, and their blood flows through your veins. So yes, there are times when things seem overwhelming. There are times when you might feel helpless and hopeless. That's natural, and you are not alone.

Another of the things that helps me in hard times is knowing, based upon being part of an extended Irish-American family my entire life, is that nothing brightens a gloomy day like dark humor. For a mild example, today I reminded my daughter about the famous Years' quote: “Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” Drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day doesn't make one truly Irish. One must feel the suffering that inspired Yeats to deliver that line.

Today I read one of the most beautiful things I have ever encountered on this forum. It was on DU:GD, in an OP by friend hatrack, regarding the “Branch Covidians.” How perfect a way to sum up the ignorance of 33% of American voters. We must make that stick, and we can all play a role. Try to think of the sickest jokes possible. Here goes my attempt: Donald Koresh, the president of the Branch Covidians, has predicted the current crisis will end on Easter Sunday. Trump plans to hold a religious revival rally on Good Friday in anticipation, promising to serve chloroquine-flavored kool-aid to his flock.

The next thing I recommend is not only coming on DU for community, but to use this time to become acquainted with some of today's social movements that focus on the positive. There are two that I really like that I'll add links to. The first is Rev. William Barber's Poor People's Campaign, the second is Bend the Arc. Both are definitely worthy of consideration. I'm hoping that others will add more to the list.

https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

www.bendthearc.us

Finally, I recommend turning off the television, and getting off the internet, for a period of time each day. Listen to your favorite music, for good music helps calm the mind. I like the Beatles (and post-Beatles) and listen to them daily. But in the past week, I have found the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh particularly good to listen to. In fact, I'll add a link to one of my favorite Tosh songs.

I hope that you are all safe.
H2O Man