I'm not sure if the epicenter of this new virus was Somerset in the UK, courtesy of @riverflows and her Hive Post this morning, or if, in fact, this new word is popping up virally around the globe, spontaneously.
Caremongering: that almost counter-intuitive (for some) response that puts the other, the collective and the We, before one's own immediate & personal desires.
The observer in me, the people-watcher, has been fascinated to watch humanity this past week. My direct circle of humanity has definitely congealed into two distinct groups: those upset and stressed (obsessed?) about loss of liberty, finances, holidays, cancelled travel plans, statistics, the shortage of some grocery items and increased government control versus those who are definitely just sucking it up and stepping up and considering the needs of others and how they might support the more vulnerable among us.
The group overwhelmed with fear and anger tends to generally respond with Blame and Complain, along with a few Disappear & Bolt the Door, Others be Damned.
The others? They are basically the caremongers - people shamelessly spreading care instead of fear. They start conversations, texts and video calls with "How are YOU doing?"
They're checking in, pro-actively, on people in their circle who are vulnerable and maybe not doing so well. Against all the airline safety advice in the world, they're helping others to put on an oxygen mask while their own might not be too carefully fastened yet.
I've seen some STELLAR examples of caremongering in the last 24 hours in my personal world, and I wanted to share some of them.
Our Northern Thai city of Chiang Mai has erupted with Thai businesses giving free food, water and basic items to people in need. Not just one or two western run businesses getting premium facebook time, but LOTS of small Thai shops, all over the city. So many that Thai people have made a google MAP to help local people find somewhere close to home, that's convenient for them.
Yesterday afternoon, the Phuu Yai Baan (elected village elder) in our Thai village of Baan Rim Tai in Mae Rim Chiang Mai, door-knocked every house in the village to make sure people were home, everyone was well and no one was in need. He's not a young man and it was close to 40C when he walked quietly and unannounced down our soi. He received no public accolades and walked his village beat alone.
Our @naturalmedicine community on HIVE had a global party - to connect people from the Netherlands and Ireland to Somerset and Venezuela.
My dear Australian friend, Professor Ken Greenwood, shared how staff in his faculty at a Queensland University are sharing MUSIC everyday, to help lift the vibe and mood. As a prominent psychologist leading other psychologists, he GETS IT that mood matters. He emailed me some wonderful new music yesterday that has helped me through a pretty rough day today.
US friend, MaryAnne Mesple, shared how her son, Eric, is taking leadership regarding the lack of medical supplies in the US.
Recognizing the lack of medical face shields, LA artist Mesple and Justin Phelps, owner of DDF, have re-united to help the overwhelmed and under supplied medical industry. Devoted to produce 2500 to 3500 medical face shields daily, our goal is to start immediate production and distribution by next week.
You can support his GoFundMe Here.
Quietly, Thai people with better and faster phones are helping others whose technology isn't quite up to speed and who also may be intimidated by bureaucratic process to apply for government assistance. It made me smile to see a needy Thai friend happily share her TICK after a neighbour with a better phone helped her to apply for the contract worker assistance program. NB the cracked phone screen of the "much better" phone, and that it was done at nearly midnight - it took them half the night to get through.
Our local wellness center here in Chiang Mai is giving away fresh organic veggies from their own garden to help people who have little or no income. I posted about that the other day, and remain overjoyed at the fresh salads and pesto he has enabled to keep us healthy and well. You can read that post here.
There are many more examples - people who have bought products from us that they don't especially need, because they know we have no income and no safety net. People who haven't called to ask us to pay overdue bills, because they know how tough it is. The unknown lady who left limes on our doorstep and the guy from the tattoo shop who brings ripe strawberries which are going to waste.
And back in Somerset where it all started? @riverflows quietly feeds her sourdough starter and plans to bake and share her way through frustration and changed plans.
Look for the helpers, the caremongers. They are here.
They spread light and joy in difficult times, and bring relief and joy to many, instead of fear, anxiety, stress & blame.
Feeling cared for in my Thai natural world.
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Oh! 40 degree Celsius there!
This crisis also brings out the best in many people! This is a gruesome test fir humanity but with good vibes and compassion and tenacity; all will be well very soon! Hope for the best!
Take care.
Yes, I believe that too - that the crisis brings the best out in many people. Is soooo hot and very bad air here. 😭 Send you courage and strength and hope your family and community will be safe.
Su Su !!
The best thing in this situation, he said, is to plead for the yellowish information, feed yourself very well to keep your defenses up, meditate and take the basic precautions that quarantine, out of respect for everyone as equals! I liked your post
The basics of good self-care ARE simple and yes, we need to take precautions to protect others. Trusting your family and community will be safe and well. Appreciate you stopping by! 😊
I appreciate your creativity, @artemislives
@tipu curate
A huge hug from @amico! 🤗
!trdo
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 14/28)
And I appreciate your hugs and tips and smiles. x One day, somewhere, we will drink wine. x
Thanks for the rhymed answer: you're great, so you deserve another big hug! 🤗