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101 N University Parks Dr, Doris Miller Park, Waco, TX 76701. We hate spam too, we'll never share your email address . We are located five minutes from the McLennan County Jail, and can post bond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Die Stadt liegt beidseits des nach Südost führenden und in den Golf von Mexiko einmündenden Brazos River. Waco (/ ˈ w eɪ k oʊ / WAY-koh) is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. Brazos River Supply Co. Men's Clothing Store in Waco, Texas. Brazos River RV Park in Waco is rated 4.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. Cameron Park is home to numerous races, runs and weekly hikes. Brazos River Bail Bonds is a professional, family owned bail bond company in Waco, TX that has been serving McLennan County since 1995. The Brazos and Bosque Rivers are readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. It is a centerpiece of downtown Waco, passing through the heart of downtown and then past Baylor University on its way south. The park also encompasses Cameron Park Zoom splash pads, playgrounds, disc golf courses and picnic areas perfect for families. Brazos Park East. Subscribe for Hill Country news, events and more! 1,005 Reviews #9 of 56 things to do in Waco. The Waco Riverwalk includes approximately seven miles of multi-use, lighted trail that loops along both banks of the Brazos River. The Brazos River proved to be both a blessing and a curse for Waco, providing a constant water supply, means of transportation, and fertile farming ground, but also serving as a site of frequent flooding and destruction. Open today: 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM. The Cotton Belt line at right goes south to its own bridge over the Brazos visible in the distance. Photo: Facebook/Brazos River Authority. Brazos River RV Park in Waco, Texas: 1 reviews, 0 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. The Texas Brazos Trail seeks to promote heritage tourism, historic preservation, and economic development. We hate spam too, we'll never share your email address . Brazos Bridges and Bosque Bluffs Paddling Trails me! On the Chisholm Trail it was midnight Carmela was strong on his mind Because of the life he had chosen Carmela had left him behind Too long he'd been El Bandito Carmela had left him alone But today someone brought a message She'd been seen in old San Antone. Catfish, buffalo, and carp require stout tackle and natural baits. The Waco Riverwalk winds for 5 miles along both banks of the Brazos River, connecting several downtown attractions. The 2/3-mile trail provides the final section of paved, lighted pathway necessary to achieve a continuous 5.5-mile downtown Riverwalk loop from Baylor to Cameron Park. Bridges. City park staffers are proposing trails (shown in green) in East Waco, downtown along the Cotton Belt railroad right-of-way and along the Bosque River near the Waco Mammoth National Monument. 106 Texas Ranger Trail The bike and pedestrian connection stretches from McLane Stadium to the existing Riverwalk at Franklin Avenue. Brazos Bluffs Stables: Average Trail Ride - See 278 traveler reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Waco, TX, at Tripadvisor. About See All. Cross the Brazos at Waco Ride hard and I'll make it by dawn Cross the Brazos at Waco FISHING Excellent for largemouth, smallmouth, striped and white bass. During that time, no bridges spanned the eight hundred miles of river flowing through Central Texas, forcing cattle drivers moving up the Chisholm Trail to find shallow fording areas. At Brazos Bluffs Stables, we invite you to saddle up for the Texas adventure of a lifetime. The 2019 population estimate for the city was 139,236. This tension shaped the history of the communities which developed upon the banks of the Brazos. Open today: 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are alive in downtown Waco. 101 N University Parks Dr, Doris Miller Park, Waco, TX 76701. - Response time may be delayed due to staffing redeployment. Take a relaxing tour of one of Waco’s best kept secrets, the Cameron Park Paddling Trails. 693 people follow this. In the years leading up to 1870, the Brazos River proved to be both a blessing and a curse to the city of Waco. Waco ist die Bezirkshauptstadt und der Sitz der Countyverwaltung ... welche den Brazos River überspannte und 1870 fertiggestellt wurde. The Chisholm Trail – the very name conjures up images of cowboys and longhorns. The 2nd Annual Brazos River 0.5K will be held at 11 am on October 13, 2019 at Brazos Park East in Waco, Texas. Not Now. Closed Now . Celebrating 150 Years of the Chisholm Trail: Branding the Brazos in Waco, Texas. Come join us for a strenuous test of endurance! In the years leading up to 1870, the Brazos River proved to be both a blessing and a curse to the city of Waco. Although there are no man-made obstructions on either of these trails, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. I have made this trip dozens of times and some stretches, hundreds of times over the last 20 years. The Waco Riverwalk is a lighted, concrete path that travels along both sides of the Brazos. Toll-Free: (800) 922-6386 AllTrails has 14 great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, walking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The new East Riverwalk section in downtown Waco. Brazos River Capital is committed to being a key player in Waco’s development. Discover and book Luxurious River Cruise on the Brazos River in Waco on Tripadvisor Opened on November 20, … The Waco Riverwalk includes approximately seven miles of multi-use, lighted trail that loops along both banks of the Brazos River. If you're looking for the best trails around Mother Neff State Park or Lake Whitney State Park, we've got you covered. Looking for a great trail near Waco, Texas? It is the longest river in Texas and the 11th longest river in the United States at 1,280 miles from its headwater source at the head of Blackwater Draw, Curry County, New Mexico to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. Although the bridges are more than 500 ft. long, the river's presence is otherwise undetectable from this view. Join fellow “athletes” conquering the .5 mi course! In the area of the Brazos Park East boat ramp, between the Bosque River and the MLK Jr., Bridge. Luxurious River Cruise on the Brazos River in Waco cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Bridges. Hikers and bikers meander along the River Trail, zigzag up 100-foot bluffs to overlook the rivers, or rip down trails like Root Canal. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin.The city had a 2010 population of 124,805, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the state. The scenic riverwalk stretches from Baylor University to Cameron Park and passes underneath the Suspension Bridge. The Waco Riverwalk includes approximately seven miles of multi-use, lighted trail that loops along both banks of the Brazos River. His train has just crossed the Katy railroad bridge over the Brazos River into East Waco, passing Tower 21. Nördlich von Waco ist der Brazos zur Stromerzeugung dreimal aufgestaut und bildet die Seen Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Granbury und Lake Whitney. Book In Advance. About the Brazos Trail Region The Texas Brazos Trail Region is an 18-county area of Central Texas. Where the Balcones Fault & the Brazos River meet. The Waco Riverwalk includes approximately seven miles of multi-use, lighted trail that loops along both banks of the Brazos River. Come enjoy a memorable wrangling adventure on a Texas ranch with authentic cowboys. United States ; Texas (TX) Waco ; Waco - Things to Do ; Waco Suspension Bridge; Search. The Brazos River proved to be both a blessing and a curse for Waco, providing a constant water supply, means of transportation, and fertile farming ground, but also serving as a site of frequent flooding and destruction. Okay, that may be a little overkill. The park is the site of the annual Duel on the Brazos drag boat races. It is prohibited to create a wake or wash that is hazardous to other watercrafts or persons while on Lake Brazos. 626 people like this. Brazos River RV Park in Waco is rated 4.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. The scenic riverwalk stretches from Baylor University to Cameron Park and passes underneath the Suspension Bridge. The Waco-based Brazos River Authority is seeking to squeeze more water out of two flood-control reservoirs upstream of Waco to sell to a growing customer base of … The 2nd Annual Brazos River 0.5K will be held at 11 am on October 13, 2019 at Brazos Park East in Waco, Texas. Cultural … Photo: Facebook/Brazos River Authority. Opened on November 20, 1869, it contains nearly 3 million bricks. www.wacocvb.com, (254) 750-8696. Save. Newly renovated Santa Fe style ranch home in a secluded rural setting just outside of Waco city limits; 10-15 minutes to Baylor University and Magnolia Market at the Silos. Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Waco Tourist Information Center is closed to the public. Cameron Park: Nice park alongside the Brazos River - See 301 traveler reviews, 96 candid photos, and great deals for Waco, TX, at Tripadvisor. Brazos Park east features a boat ramp, pavilion, disc golf course, trails, horseshoe pits, and a scenic view of the cliffs along the Brazos River. The Brazos River (/ ˈbræzəs / (listen) BRAZ-əs), called the Río de los Brazos de Dios (translated as "The River of the Arms of God") by early Spanish explorers, is the 11th-longest river in the United States at 1,280 miles (2,060 km) from its headwater source at the head of Blackwater Draw, Curry County, New Mexico to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico with a 45,000-square-mile (116,000 km 2) drainage basin. Get ideas on what you can see and do while you visit. His train has just crossed the Katy railroad bridge over the Brazos River into East Waco, passing Tower 21. 1 to 3 hours per trail (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed). Cameron Park: Nice park alongside the Brazos River - See 301 traveler reviews, 96 candid photos, and great deals for Waco, TX, at Tripadvisor. Brazos River Bail Bonds is a professional, family owned bail bond company in Waco, TX that has been serving McLennan County since 1995. This 20-mile system of trails s features handcrafted bridges, views of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers from 100-foot cliffs, and cedar groves. Subscribe for Hill Country news, events and more! By Spring Sault | March 30, 2017. Discover and book Luxurious River Cruise on the Brazos River in Waco on Tripadvisor The rivewalk is accessible from various points throught downtown Waco and captures the natural beauty of the Brazos River Corridor. The scenic riverwalk stretches from Baylor University to Cameron Park and passes underneath the Suspension Bridge. On the Bosque River, between Brazos Park East and the Lakeshore Drive bridge. With major ecosystems converging on our land, the flora and fauna is diverse and prolific. It is a single-span suspension bridge with a main span of 475 feet (145 m). Perfect for couples, families or other groups eager to ditch their smartphones, swing into … This trail offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature while paddling through the parks and riparian corridors of Waco. Okay, that may be a little overkill. See more of Brazos River Supply Co on Facebook. Back in the day, the only traffic you might see in Waco were droves of cattle. In 1964 Clifton Robinson started National Lloyds Insurance Company, laying a foundation for the numerous Robinson Family entities that would follow. For those who are experienced paddlers wishing to renew their relationship with the Brazos River, the Waco access is considered a no wake zone, similar to the Bosque Bluffs trail. Waco Suspension Bridge . We will send you ane-mail requiring your confirmation before adding you to the notification list. The scenic riverwalk stretches from Baylor University to Cameron Park and passes underneath the Suspension Bridge. Although there are no man-made obstructions on either of these trails, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. Luxurious River Cruise on the Brazos River in Waco cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. The Cotton Belt line at right goes south to its own bridge over the Brazos visible in the distance. Bass and crappie are caught on jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits, or minnows. Save. This trail was made possible through a partnership between the City of Waco, Waco Paddle Club, McLennan Community College and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Flow and water quality information is available to paddlers on the Brazos River Authority's website. It is the longest river in Texas and the 11th longest river in the United States at 1,280 miles from its headwater source at the head of Blackwater Draw, Curry County, New Mexico to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. Direct: (254) 750-8696. Community See All. With approximately 20 miles of twisting trails, Cameron Park features an amazing, multi-use National Recreation Trail system. Brazos River - from Whitney to Waco. This tension shaped the history of the communities which developed upon the … The Brazos River (/ ˈbræzəs / (listen) BRAZ-əs), called the Río de los Brazos de Dios (translated as "The River of the Arms of God") by early Spanish explorers, is the 11th-longest river in the United States at 1,280 miles (2,060 km) from its headwater source at the head of Blackwater Draw, Curry County, New Mexico to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico with a 45,000-square-mile (116,000 km 2) drainage basin. River Conditions This trail offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature while paddling through the parks and riparian corridors of Waco. We are located five minutes from the McLennan County Jail, and can post bond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get Directions (254) 300-3590. 474 were here. It is a centerpiece of downtown Waco, passing through the heart of downtown and then past Baylor University on its way south. This stretch of the Brazos from Lake Whitney dam to Waco is clear water, easy paddling, and beautiful sights and wildlife and excellent fishing for a weekend trip. The Waco Riverwalk winds for 5 miles along both banks of the Brazos River, connecting several downtown attractions. Mit einer Mittelspannweite von 145 m war die Suspension Bridge die damals längste Hängebrücke westlich des Mississippi. Enjoy hiking on the designated hiking trails on our scenic 300 acre ranch bordered by the Brazos River. City park staffers are proposing trails (shown in green) in East Waco, downtown along the Cotton Belt railroad right-of-way and along the Bosque River near the Waco … Brazos River - Waco Suspension Bridge. Brazos River RV Park in Waco, Texas: 1 reviews, 0 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. The trail passes under several bridges and sections were built above the Brazos River. 5. In 1964 Clifton Robinson started National Lloyds Insurance Company, laying a foundation for the numerous Robinson Family entities that would follow. or. Come join us for a strenuous test of endurance! By Spring Sault | March 30, 2017. Cameron Park Trails, Waco, Texas. Privacy Policy and Disclaimer, Designed & Maintained by City of Waco Municipal Information, On Lake Brazos (downtown area), between the Waco Drive Bridge and 200 yards from the Lake Brazos Dam, just past McLane Stadium. Brazos Bluffs Stables: Average Trail Ride - See 278 traveler reviews, 54 candid photos, and great deals for Waco, TX, at Tripadvisor. United States ; Texas (TX) Waco ; Waco - Things to Do ; Waco Suspension Bridge; Search. Although the bridges are more than 500 ft. long, the river's presence is otherwise undetectable from this view. 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Can this blessed ‘Corona’ situation possibly have an upside?

As a Life Coach, Steve feels a strong urge to help people not only to cope with this spell of uncertainty, but “hopefully to emerge from it stronger than we were before this crisis started; when, unfortunately, we took so much for granted. Like many similar global calamities before it, including world wars and pandemics, this virus-spread will change the world because mankind will make new discoveries and adapt new practices,” he tells me.

To make his points clearly, he starts by expressing a few basic – important – presuppositions, or concepts, about Life. Anyone who has ever attended his workshops, or talks, or even follows him on Facebook may find these familiar, even if somewhat controversial.

Why change? I ask. Change, he says, will always happen, whether we like it or not, whether we want it or not, and whether we’re ready for it or not. In fact, “change” is perhaps the only certainty we have during our lifetime.

When change happens externally—in our environment—we get affected too. Sometimes we are affected directly, at other times indirectly. Sometimes we are affected a lot, at other times, not.

“Since everything in life is connected, anything that happens anywhere in the world will affect everything else, even if perhaps in the minutest way, but a chain of events will have been precipitated. This is known as Cause and Effect. So, always expecting change is a good start. Accepting that certain events are inevitable because there is more in life that is out of our control than there is that’s within our personal power is another essential step. The past is what it is. The present is more within our control. Consequently, being able to expect, accept and even embrace change—whatever its form or outcome—is one of the most important life-skills anyone can have. The opening lines of the “Serenity Prayer” express this perfectly:

So, we have to accept that things go wrong, change our lives, shatter our dreams more often than not. Where do we go from here? His answer: “When things go wrong, what is ‘actually’ happening is that these events would not be going as we had planned or as we would have liked them to go. Here is a harsh truth: In the bigger picture, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way for things to go. This may sound strange, perhaps even objectionable, but in Nature everything happens out of necessity, not for the advantage of anything or anyone. Birth and Death are normal, ongoing events that are equally necessary and interconnected. Our false sense of ‘self-importance’ as a species makes us (humans) believe that whatever happens in the Universe is ‘about us,’ when we are merely a miniscule particle in the vastness of the ‘Big Picture’. Nothing is about us! We are simply minor components of an infinite whole. Of course, some things will change because of our actions— such as ‘climate change’ for example—but it’s not so much because we are in charge of anything. It is rather because we are participants in an ecological environment where every action can prompt a reaction.”

He then quotes Khalil Gibran from his monumental work The Prophet to illustrate our place in the scheme of existence. “When he is asked to speak to the fold about children, the prophet Almustafa says,

Life’s longing for itself. We need the humility to admit that we humans are incidental rather than instrumental to Life. Events will unfold as they must—one way or another—and we can either stress ourselves because we wanted them to unfold differently, or do our best to adopt and flow, surviving in the process as best we can.

Because we are complex living beings, we may not be able to control our emotional responses to our surroundings, but we can often adjust our reactions; hence our conscious thoughts about them and, as a result, we change our feelings.”

We know that we are different from one another and therefore we inevitably react differently to circumstances. Says Steve: “Yes, our personalities have been layered over the years from a mix of different experiences, to say the least, so no two persons are identical. Our behaviour, therefore, will be different as will be our response to the current situation. For some it will be more stressful than for others.”

“Stress,” he says, is an emotional response. “It varies between individuals. Those who generally do not seek external factors to energize themselves, also known as “introverts,” may find it easier to be indoors for prolonged periods, engaging themselves and remaining calm in their own or in limited company. They are used to it. Those who generally need a lot of interaction with other people in order to keep themselves fully charged, also known as “extroverts,” will probably react to the need for isolation with more stress and might struggle to keep calm and engaged while at home alone or in very limited company. They are not used to it.”

Then there are the anxious amongst us. What about them? “Those who are prone to “high anxiety,” meanwhile, need to be kept in our focus. They may need to be reminded that this is a temporary state of affairs. It is a storm and all storms eventually subside. This, too, shall pass! But we all need to be responsible and patient, appreciating the shelter and safety of our homes. My heart bleeds most for the lonely and the homeless. I wish we could all afford them more solidarity during this winter of dull global health.” Anxiety is a natural response that is intended to protect us, he comments: “Do not be surprised if you feel more anxious or worried than usual, especially at times like these. We humans are hard-wired to notice even the first signs of danger and our brain immediately goes into overdrive to keep our bodies safe. The snag is that this “stress response” that we experience as anxiety, as essential as it is for our survival, may be too much for some people to handle in certain circumstances. Our brain does not know when the bad news is fake or exaggerated, so it produces the same response as when we are faced with real danger.”

What can one do to reduce stress? “Use rationale to reason with yourself, as much as possible, to lessen your “imagination” of what might go wrong. Since anxiety results from ‘physiological’ responses in the body, it helps to focus on your breathing to help your brain slow down and calm the rest of your body, releasing better-feeling hormones. If these measures aren’t enough, seek help, but be aware that you are not alone. There is always help for anyone ready to help himself.”

Everyone seems to think that after this trying time our lives are going to change – some say radically, others in small ways. So, what does he read in his crystal ball about this? “These new circumstances are forcing us to change our ways of working, our daily habits and our attitude towards life. How lasting these changes will be remains to be seen. Some of us have had to adapt to working from home. Most of us have limited our movement outside the house to an absolute minimum. Some are in strict quarantine. At the moment, we are not buying clothes or gadgets, except perhaps online. Streets are quiet and entertainment outside the home is on hold. For the most part, we became more conscious about the need to economize on our consumption, realising that we need to keep our homes stocked perhaps for longer periods than originally thought. Hopefully, waste may also be greatly reduced as a result of our predicament.”

Steve continues and says that we seem to be returning to the Past in some ways. “This includes a renewed awareness in the need for public hygiene. During the Second World War, the British Ministry of Health issued posters with the catchy phrase, Coughs and Sneezes spread Diseases. This education was particularly important since people would often be huddled in bomb-shelters for extended periods. Evidently, this is still a good axiom for us to keep in mind too, now that we face such difficult times. The pendulum seems to be swinging toward the other extreme. Thanks to our greatly reduced transport by motor vehicles and an extensive suspension in air travel and tourism, even Mother Earth is having a break from our incessant fuming and polluting.”

We know only too well that the threats facing us are not small. They are economic as well as health- and wellbeing-related. “Let us not underestimate how this can affect us and others in our country, to what extent and for how much longer. What is lacking, perhaps, is a sense of urgency amongst many whose habitual irresponsible nature compels them to abuse their freedom, breaking rules and increasing the risk for others. That said, let us not exonerate ourselves from doing our part.”

Steve emphasises that everyone is connected. While some of us are more prone to certain consequences, no one is exempted. He gives a few examples: “Some people may be more financially stable than others yet have much more at stake economically in these perilous times. Some have the security of a pension but are more at risk healthwise. Some of us have relatives living abroad and may be worried, while others may have elderly parents whom they cannot visit So we are all pretty much in this together. Especially in times like these, it would be very unwise for us to compare ourselves to others. We simply need to do our bit and count our blessings.”

He points out that we all depend on other people to get through this difficult time. “But soon enough we may be looking back and perhaps we’ll have difficulty remembering the detail of this bleak reality, because we shall have won the war against the darn virus and moved on.”

But this is not the first threat to humanity’s survival, and it won’t be the last. “Dire situations tend to bring changes and progress too. Action and reaction often go hand in hand. World War II brought a huge leap in air travel, a dramatic development in other means of transport and advances in communication. Previous epidemics forced nations to improve health services and caused advances in medicine. There is always an upside, even in this crisis … whether or not we are able to see it yet. For one thing, petty differences seem to fade in the background and, so much that we believed was important before the crisis has been overshadowed.”

What qualities do we need to get through this bleak episode as quickly as possible? “The first is discipline. Without discipline there will be chaos. With discipline there will be progress. The second is patience. I remember having an MRI scan a few years ago. I am rather claustrophobic so my tendency would be to panic but knowing that it would be over soon and because I was kept occupied (by the earphone music provided to me) it seemed like a short dream that was over before I knew it.” The third requisite is to have a plan. He explains: “Your emotional wellbeing depends on making the most of your time at home. Prepare lists of activities you need to get done. This could be the time you’ve always dreamed of to (finally) sort out those drawers, or mend stuff, or spend time enjoying your pastimes. Be prepared. Make contact with friends without getting together physically. Share ideas and resources with others.” He emphasises that we need support for one another. “Let us find ways to stay connected, to reach out – especially to those who find it hard to be indoors for too long or who suffer from depression, and not assume they should be the ones reaching out to us if they need help. If you can think of anyone, especially of the elder generation or who suffers from unpleasant emotional conditions, use the phone or any online means to make contact regularly.”

He emphasises that we also have to be aware of what he calls ecology, meaning that we are in the same boat. “Actually, we are much like the crew of a submarine, where anything you do affects the rest of us, and vice versa. Let us exercise respect and selflessness, as opposed to panic buying, breaking quarantine, scaremongering or anything that affects society negatively. A truly civilized society should not require laws to keep its members in check, but alas we are not all civilized enough in our behaviour.” He cautions us about using words because without realizing we may be affecting others negatively instead of spreading calm and hope. “Avoid words that are loaded with drama. Catastrophizing, exaggerating and over-thinking are ways of creating anxiety. Without letting our guard down, let us share kind words and respectful humour. Let us consider how we speak to ourselves and to others.”

What lessons can we learn from this? “There is so much more that we ‘cannot’ control than there is that we can. What we ‘can’ control involves what relates to us, especially our words, our thoughts, our actions and our reactions. Assume responsibility for your actions and for your wellbeing. Avoid blaming others unnecessarily. Accept that the situation is the way it is and we need to make the most of it while it lasts. .As the old song goes, “I can’t stop the rain by complaining.” But I can avoid getting wet (feeling depressed or bored) by taking steps to remain dry (to do what I can to avoid hardship for myself and others).”

How can this awful situation possibly affect us in a positive way? Is there a proverbial ‘silver lining’ here? Steve is ever the optimist. “More than one, actually. Recapping some of the points made earlier, we have the following: Because of the fear of dying this situation has spiked religiousness in a lot of people, although this may have been spurred by the wrong motives in some because to turn to one’s God only when one is afraid points to a devotion of convenience. In my books “Gratitude is the only form of prayer,” so I prefer being grateful for all that is working in my life, rather than praying for protection, prompted by fear of a present threat. On the plus side, this made many people reflect and not take their life for granted.”

He points out that we have seen an increase in solidarity and even witnessed support being offered to complete strangers. “We experienced extraordinary human kindness in sharp contrast with the selfishness demonstrated by those whose actions jeopardized the stability of the nation.”

Another silver lining? “There is the fear of running out of rations. While fear may be irrational and ill-founded, in recent weeks we found ourselves curbing waste. A need to reduce and control our consumption makes us more human than machine. Such a situation also makes us realise what truly matters in life. Many people may have needed this jolt in order to realize that needs and wants are not the same thing and that you cannot eat possessions.”

Those of us who weren’t aware that security is a myth soon realised it. “Seeing how such a misfortune – that was out of our control to begin with – could reach us in a flash from the other side of the globe and how it forced us to close shops, cancel events and stay at home – risking our livelihood in some cases – may bring us to our senses before we pass judgement on socially emarginated people. Losing one’s job is enough to render a person homeless from being unable to pay rent. Let us refrain from labelling homeless people as addicts or lazy. Our own security is a fragile as the leaves on a tree. On a personal note, my life and career were going splendidly a few years ago, or so it seemed on the surface but in a flash – in just one moment – my whole world crumbled. It felt like my success story was cut short and coupled with a horror movie so there I was, in total disbelief, having to start over in my mid-fifties. My safety (“luck” if you will) lay in the fact that I did not have to pay rent and we had a second income, but I learned at that moment that security is a myth.”

Another silver lining is the practice and importance of washing our hands as a vital necessity. “Let us hope this practice stays with us for a couple of generations.” Then the need to cover our mouths. Steve comes up with some interesting facts: “The University of Bristol’s 2019 research indicates that “the airborne transmission of diseases, including the common cold, influenza and tuberculosis, is something that affects everyone with an average sneeze or cough sending around 100,000 contagious germs into the air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.” We should all be very aware of this, rather than casual about public hygiene.”

He reminds us that this is a unique occasion to have time to ourselves. “Rather than struggling with it why not actively think of ways to interact with friends remotely and look up online or other resources related to their interests. If you are working from home, don’t become sloppy. Keep yourself in top form.

This is an opportune time to interact with your family, discuss topics of mutual interests, watch movies together, or do other activities… together. We must not forget that we are in this together.”

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