Change (Written 03 Sept 2021)

In the mist of uncertainty, one thing is becoming clearer, that when all is done, and we, humans, emerge from our bubbles – the world we knew is no longer. It is like an apocalypse of change required to sustain the environment, is not punishing us , individually, but for the sins of us, collectively.

As I sit here, half dazed, trying to decide whether the heaviness on my eyelids, is actually the exhaustion of mental creativity throughout the working at home week; or my body’s reaction to not being able to go and explore. Sure, we can go for a walk, but never too far. I think I am tired from both, but more importantly because it could seem like if I slept all afternoon, today, then wasting the afternoon sleeping is nothing, as I will awake tomorrow and have another day.

Our constant need for ‘things’ now suddenly cut dry almost a week ago, most of us find our need for ‘things’, our need to spend money and buy ‘things’, now replaced with buying luxury foods that we would rarely ever buy. These foods have become an everyday treat for ‘bearing’ the torment of being locked at home.

Me, well, I think the lock down is no different to my usual life. Sure, I can’t get outdoors, or sneak that occasional coffee down town, but I love not having access to purchase unnecessary items, to fill an emotional void. I am not a materialistic person, nor do I have the desire to ‘shop’ in the sense of the word. On shopping trips with girlfriends, I would get bored before lunchtime. It really doesn’t interest me, but give me a land cruiser 4×4 and the open road (and off road), and I am happy.

What changes do I see to remain permanent after coronavirus calms the farm? Well, I am not predicting anything, but I see that it will take us a while to return to the same world we knew before hand. That is not just financially either. People are online talking about how they cannot wait to travel once this is all over, but if it continues for a prolonged period, or there is a resurgence (a second wave), then savings will be dry up, investment funds lost, homes lost; and I’m not so sure people will have the funds to resume that planned travel. Then will airlines up the ante as well, and a flight price inflation will come into affect to help the airlines salvage lost funds due to COVID-19? I am not sure, but one thing is sure, perhaps a change is necessary; a shake up to the human race; now that we are caged like the animals we so commonly like to cage; now that the shoe is on the other foot – it isn’t being received well. Change is inenvitable.

Look at your consumption, your impact on the environment. Everyone has one.