“How are you?”
“Oh you know, Lockdown …”
The default answer I’ve been hit with from person to person, as we all try to make sense of this absurd string of events that has consumed the world, like we’ve never seen before.
But it’s not all bad …
From the dolphins in Venice and the penguins in Cape Town, to the monkeys in Thailand, Mother Nature seems to be impressed with the absence of our daily, destructive routines.
One can’t help but wonder if there isn’t something bigger happening.
Now I don’t want to sound delusional and yes, maybe these four walls have gotten to me too, but I like to think that perhaps everything will change for the better after this.
With the aid of my cell-mate in Lockdown, we went to work starting a podcast called “Lockdown Logs” with the hopes of making sense of all of this by observing the situation through the eyes of our peers and those we look to for leadership.
Lockdown Logs has been a way to connect with other people in a time when shaking hands can land you a few dirty looks from the frustrated folks in the ATM queue.
We’ve spoken to some awesome individuals like Barry Hilton, Prof Jonathan Jansen, Dr Terrence Kommal, a paranormal investigator and a dream expert.
All completely different. However, similarly they’re all stuck at home as we are.
It hit me very abruptly that this virus shows no bias.
Be you rich or poor, good or bad – we seem to be dealing with something that is prominent in the life of every individual on the planet.
Like breathing … or eating … Covid-19 has connected us all in some horrible way.
Then there’s the subject of daily routine, or lack thereof.
It’s insane spending the whole day wearing my onesie and it being considered normal now.
Not that it bothered me before … but strange nonetheless.
I sometimes wonder if the well-groomed guests we feature on our YouTube channel are even wearing pants or shoes – who would know?
The alarm on your phone feels neglected, the fridge door has probably lost a few years off its life considering it’s open more than closed, my bedroom is untouched because sleeping on the couch is now normal … chaos.
Madness.
You’d also think with all this time on our hands we’d cook extravagant meals, try exciting recipes, right?
Wrong.
Walking from the couch to the kettle has become a rewardable task for he who dares disrupt his binge.
Luckily, and I’m proud to say this, I have not yet resorted to watching Tiger King.
And so – there is hope after all.
It’s hard to find a bright side some days.
I find myself taking each day as it comes, noting that some days the extrovert in me sinks into a depressive atmosphere that I must remind myself to snap out of.
The mental strength of every individual on earth is being tested, and I’ve chatted with some of those who aren’t handling it as well as others.
Being alone, even being surrounded by the same people day after day, can leave one feeling isolated and cut off from the rest of society.
It’s these days that seem to make lockdown feel like 100 years.
What more can I say on this, each person seems to be dealing in their unique way.
Some have really leveraged this time, not only being productive, but making an active contribution to their community around them.
If you haven’t – perhaps not a bad way to pass the time.
I’ve seen teachers making masks for neighbours and friends in their community, beautiful hand-made furniture and crafts flooding my Facebook – and of course the musicians.
My hat off to you if you find yourself within this description.
Also read:
Be there for those who aren’t coping too well on their own
Lockdown has been the leveler.
No more stadiums, concert halls or giant venues.
Bedroom concerts for all and it’s been entertaining to watch.
One last, important thing I’d like to take note of, is of course President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“A first world president, in a third world country” – I think it’s safe to say we couldn’t have asked for a better leader, during the biggest crisis the modern world has seen.
I for one, am grateful.
Now then, as I sip on my luke-warm coffee and take another bite of my 2-hour-old oats, I can’t help but wonder how I’ll even feel about going back to “normal”.
Normal seemed to have a really negative effect on the world around us.
More than once I have heard teachers saying how much pressure is put on students in school … maybe we needed to calm down.
Perhaps my ideas and opinions as to “Why” are irrelevant – they probably are.
But whichever way you’ve found to rationalise all of this, I hope you’re staying sane in lockdown.
Describing himself, local radio personality and Springs resident Barry Mare says: “I’m Barry Mare, I host the Breakfast Show on Ekurhuleni FM, and I’ve hosted shows on four other radio stations throughout my career. I have been in radio for roughly six years – I love media and the positive influence it can have. I try to spread a message of hope and I’m a huge supporter of mental health. I play drums (badly) and host a podcast to pass my time. My whole life has been dedicated to doing what I love and learning every step of the way.”
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