The words ‘We’re All in This Together’ are the title of a popular jingle making its presence felt on Australian television and in the psyche of the Australian people. Among the lyrics of Ben Lee’s song are …. ‘Woke up this morning, I suddenly realized, we’re all in this together. I’m made of atoms; you’re made of atoms and we’re all in this together’. Yes Ben, we certainly are. The recent months have highlighted the collective need for us to work together to fight this virus. Unlike pre-Covid times when it was more possible to look at life through our own choices, now no man (or woman for that matter) is an island.
‘We’ refers to everyone – even those who are well, in other states of the country which are less affected, or not in a risk group. We are making our decisions based on a sense of protecting our whole communities, particularly those most vulnerable, rather than from our personal preferences or comfort level. One significant change is that people are increasingly wearing masks when it is difficult to maintain physical distance. In one of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne, it is currently mandated that masks are worn in public with strict penalties for non-adherence. There has been social backlash against the anti-mask fraternity and others who are putting their own interests and agenda before the safety of others.
The ‘All’ refers to everyone – those directly affected and those affected by the mere fact that this virus loves to move from one person to another. Our communities and economy are deeply connected so we are all impacted in some way. This virus thrives on the community being out there mingling closely with each other. Its only objective is to spread through our active, engaged lives.
“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much”
Helen Keller
In a time when community connection is more difficult, it is definitely most needed. The longing we have for connection with each other in the world has been deferred. Perhaps our greatest current lesson is in how to restore a sense of community in a different, yet meaningful way.
We are social beings. We need one another to thrive and do this journey called life. Our previous busier existence had anchors that kept us connected to one another. Socially gathering for meals in restaurants, exercising in gyms and on ovals, attending live events in groups and a variety of other communal activities. As a by-product, they were opportunities to help and befriend each other.
Gathering together allows us to support one another in valid ways. To assist our ability to feel hope, providing opportunities for personal growth and planning for the future. Community also motivates us towards acts of love and kindness and the opportunity to encourage one another. In a group we are able to see the bigger picture or story of life beyond ourselves. To reach out to the wider world and assist in its ongoing creation.
How can we do this in safety? Online communities have certainly flourished since the beginning of Covid. These have provided the opportunity for continued learning, support, and connection. Many of us, of all ages, have increased our virtual connections with both loved ones and acquaintances. For others, who are not familiar with the technology, this has posed a challenge for remaining connected.
Where possible, people have gathered faced to face. This has become a new frontier where we are all more vigilant with signing into venues, using hand sanitizers and keeping social distancing. Life has been able to continue in a somewhat new form as smaller gatherings take place. With our loved ones, we need to trust each other to adhere to these hygiene and distancing measures, as we move between the wider community and our more intimate homes and relationships. It is there that our hugs and nurturing touch reside
The Covid pandemic has created a lost sense of what community once meant. We are now required to be more conscious in how we connect with the wider world. Yet our daily actions and choices are the key to moving forward toward the future. The stronger our love, concern, and respect for jointly working together, hopefully the quicker we can return to the physical community connections we so desire.