The way we were

I am encouraged and warmed by the response to my last post - it seems there are quite a few of us who long for a simpler life and fervently hope that there are collectively enough of us around the world to make that difference because, let's be honest, there are many many more folk who are longing desperately for the 'old normal' to return.  It has taken this terrible pandemic to show how ugly and unsustainable the old life had become and how urgently we need to make serious serious changes to our lives.

The problem is, as I see it, is how we are now - during these present restrictions - is unsustainable too - we, due to the way the economy is set up, means we have to work. Which means most of the working population has to drive to their place of employment.

So immediately after lockdown is lifted, there will be mass movement again. Instantly reverting back to the original levels of pollution, noise, congestion, traffic, and just by listing these, my heart aches at the mere thought of it all returning.

I firmly believe that some folk will take stock of their lives and decide that their work to home ratio was imbalanced and they will take that step to change. They will decide that they prefer the sound of no traffic so will sell up and try and move out into the countryside, to smaller villages or purchase an isolated farm. Some will succeed and some may find the new solitude that had been so attractive before now feels isolating.

May be more folk will walk for leisure rather than resort to the ease of a car, cook for themselves rather than the take aways and garden more, grow things, feel the earth between their fingers, - however, all this may just be conjecture and short lived resolution.

I really really hope that there is enough of us take care of the earth, to love and nurture, change and quietly repair.

Bring on that steely determined gentle revolution - I am ready.