I "get" the mask thing far more than you can imagine, and we have had it here far more rigidly than Australia, and for much, much longer. I just choose not to give energy to it, or talk about it. And I focus on the world I want and am creating and let the rest of them do whatever without me. What we resist, persists.
There are so many tools for dealing with anxiety and stress and whatever else we choose to claim as 'ours" - the biggest one is the DESIRE to release them and not need to be defined by them.
In the great scheme of things I think wearing masks IS rather minor. I do it when it's absolutely required, and that's all. It makes sense on subways etc when people are sick, and in hospitals etc.
Staying home is the best plan if you're anxious and unable to cope, and simply avoid the types of places where they are required. You're lucky you have Jamie to shop etc for you.
I understand that masks have been worn in Asia countries for many years, I have witnessed it myself when in Malaysia and Thailand. But my understanding is that it is always wore by choice. Right now in Spain and in Australia people are getting fined and beaten up when they do not wear them, having people living in fear. I am not aware of that ever happening in Asia, not to my knowledge anyhow, please correct me if I am wrong!
I am all for people having the freedom, to choose what they wish to do and being respected for doing so. But now people have no choice and that is not right. The mask to me is symbolic and for that I do not wear one. I can not imagine what it must be like for some one with anxiety, having to wear one and I would never presume to do so. I have worked in mental health in the past and I can tell you that it is not something to take lightly.
Telling them to stay at home, is some what insensitive in my eyes,
when what we need to be doing is, embracing everyone for who they are and not telling them to hide away. This is mental heath awareness month after all. No one should feel excluded or alienated because they suffer with their mental health, that only adds to their anxiety.
Instead we should be spreading more awareness and
understanding,supporting one another, that is the best way in which we can move forward right now.
I do believe that we are going through a huge transition, so lets focus on becoming better people in the process, lets build one another up!
!ENGAGE 50
ENGAGEtokens.Thanks for showing empathy - not everyone does. They think they know, but until you actually have been in that person's shoes, how can you REALLY know? It's not as if I haven't tried, even though I disagreed with teh use of the mask in ALL situations - ie. walking on the beach with hardly anyone around?? Are you kidding me? Sure, in a doctors surgery or busy supermarket. But it's kinda hypocritical - you dont need them on when you are eating, so you dont need them on at a cafe. And that's a busy place. What the???
My amygdala totally hijacks my rational mind when I wear one - I literally go into fight or flight. There's no amount of 'ignoring it' or 'not giving it attention' or 'sucking it up' that can change that, and no amount of meditation, contemplation, change of diet, counselling or anything else to deal with this anxiety can do about it. It's not as if I haven't tried - and I find people who condescend to say I'm being self indulgent or giving focus to something I 'shouldn't' quite unempathetic and lack understanding of what happens to my body when I put one on. There's a reason WHY our government allows exemptions for people like me, and the only people who can question me are the police, and that's fine.
And it's not as if the mask is the only thing I focus on - for the most part, it's not a distraction for my life, only something I won't participate in. There's also tons of other things wrong with it, as you know, including making connections to people. There's a time and a place for them, but blanket rules for man, woman, child across every situation and entire state is ludicrous. And I certainly won't stay home just because of it - that also means the bastards have won!