“Dear Dharma Friends,
Beginning Tuesday, March 17th, we will temporarily suspend all activities at The Heart of Awareness.
This was not an easy decision – the practice is more important than ever and the refuge offered by our beautiful quiet space is a priceless gift to our community. Weighing all the information available at this time, I choose to err on the side of caution considering how vulnerable we all are.”
This was the message sent earlier this week by the leader of the local Buddhist meditation community. This week it has hit Ajijic; the wave of precaution (& fear), the “Oh, don’t believe it!” & “Don’t touch anyone or anything!” At least among the “expat” population. From my Mexican hairdresser I heard: “Mexicans don’t live with fear the way other countries do. We don’t worry about material things. We are about family and sunshine and enjoying life.” I did not have the heart to ask – but what if a family member dies from coronavirus? I see evidence of some locals taking it seriously, possibly because expats feed their businesses. The Mexican government is slow to take action, though there’s rumor that the border will be closed to all “non-essential” travel soon.
There are many discussions going around by email & Facebook that I find interesting. The virus speaking to us, telling us to pay attention to its very loud message about taking care of Mother Earth, slowing down, taking a look at what really matters. As a nurse I saw many very ill people over the years who thought there illness would change their habits, their outlook. It did for some. For others it didn’t change a thing. Once they were well it was back to the same old, same old. Human nature, I guess. But I hope this is different, I hope this will create an undeniable change in thoughts and behaviors. We truly are, after all, in this together.
As for us, we are beginning to hunker down now. An important dental appointment this afternoon and an appointment with our lawyer Monday remain on the docket. (As of this moment 3 hours after writing the above, my dental office closes after today until the government okays reopening and our lawyer appointment will now be a conference call.). There is still the desire to find Clorox and hydrogen peroxide and more gloves. (done on my last outing today). I have looked at the CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines for cleaning and handwashing , all familiar to me as a nurse. But it is hard to believe, sitting in this beautiful place, that danger lurks nearby. There are confirmed cases just an hour away and the head physician for infection control in Mexico City says there are many more. There are fewer hospitals here, fewer ICU beds. Scary for folks with chronic illness.
Our two main markets were closed down until further notice this week, devastating the livelihood of many. Delivery services are being put in place. A local health food store cordoned off the store interior, instructing customers to form a line and place their orders one by one. Restaurants are beginning to close, at least temporarily, though I still see many gringos gathering in the open ones as if nothing is any different. Delivery services are popping up. Local venders are scrambling to cut their losses.
So as of next week we will go out ONLY if absolutely necessary. For an introvert like Ben that may work OK, though he’s going to miss an art workshop he was looking forward to. And for me for a little while. Finally a chance to read and write and call friends. I hope it doesn’t stretch into months. The hardest part of this for me was realizing I had to cancel my trip to North Carolina to see my granddaughter (and friends). Now I’m looking for ways to connect with her more often – can a 14 month old actually sit still for reading a short, short book to her? Luckily her mom is great about using FaceTime. Otherwise, I’d be a basket case.
So here we are. A little edgy, a little nervous, hypervigilant. It’s one day later as I write this sentence and the governor of Jalisco has mandated that everyone stay home for 5 days. Probably just a warmup for what’s bound to be a longer time period. And our lawyer called to postpone our conference call for now.
I spent many years long ago being a “housewife” and mother. Then became a nurse working for years tending to other people. Now I’m ready to be home keeping things in order, tending to plants, cooking. Looks like I’ll get my chance.
UPDATE: An audio message going around here says that based on recent information from China, there are some simple things you can do to protect yourself. Drink warm/hot drinks/soups – not cold – frequently, sip warm water every 20 minutes for hydration & washing the virus out of your system, gargle with warm water & lemon, salt, or vinegar everyday if possible, bathe & wash your clothes immediately after being in public spaces, wash metallic surfaces regularly (especially door handles, sink, counter, etc.), eat lots of fruits/veggies to up your zinc level, & emphasize all of the above religiously if you begin to have a sore throat. Put this together with “physical distancing” , washing your hands frequently with soap & water, & avoiding touching your face to protect yourself as much as possible. One of your best sources for information in CDC.org. STAY WELL!
It’s hard to believe that the virus is curtailing even activities in Ajijic. Though I should not be surprised, since it seems to be everywhere – except Antarctica. The governor of Jalisco is wiser than many of our governors. Yesterday young people from a Chinese family that lives two doors from us rushed from porch to porch in our townhouse development – delivering to 42 homes in all. They left bags of produce and avacados that they said were “leftover” at their restaurant in Durham when it was forced to close. They hardly speak English but let us know that they realized there were many older people in the townhouses and they wanted to help them! Such kindness truly touches my heart. It reminds me that during this “shut-in” time, we should be mindful to be especially kind to one another. Thank you for this post, Chris, with good reminders from the CDC. I miss you. Mary
Be sure to read my new post for some changes in information. Had some trouble getting it online but I think it’s good to go now. Stay well!