How Far Do We Go?

By Trent Deerhorn, Deerhorn Shamanic Services

Over the last year and a half the world has been in Covid Crisis mode. First came the plague, then the deaths, then came the restrictions that put many people into a state of borderline insanity. Many businesses did not make it through, closing their doors due to complete lack of support. Many were able to handle the disruption and found creative ways in which to continue to provide for their patrons. With each wave of the pandemic, more restrictions were placed. I, myself, began hoping that my District Outfit would at least be black, because I really do not look good in orange.

Then came the vaccine, which many thought to be a godsend, and many also thought to be the devil in disguise. Once a predominant number of the population had been vaccinated, the doors began to open and the restrictions began to be lifted. Whether or not this was a good idea, considering the growing number of variants, is yet to be seen.

I have observed, during this time, both the best and the worst in people. Here is how I have categorized them and why:

Best:

Masks: People would wear them and make sure that they, themselves, were protected but that those around them were also protected. Many wondered, during this time, what happened to the Flu? Well, people were wearing masks. That is what happened. You are welcome.

Hand Washing: People became much more conscious of personal hygiene during this time, which also contributed to the lack of the Flu, but provided less of an issue when it came to spreading viruses and germs around through touch.

Watching out for one another: People began, even in lock down, doing personal "check ins" with friends and family. This is something that would often be overlooked pre-pandemic, and it is a lovely way to say you care.

Technology: People who were previously completely uncomfortable with technology began to see some of the benefits of it, such as video chats with loved ones, online shopping (be it for groceries or anything else), online ordering of meals from local restaurants that would be either picked up curb side or delivered to your door, and I even noticed some of my senior friends began diving into online banking instead of insisting that they have to do everything through a bank teller.

Nature: People began, with their less hectic helter/skelter lifestyles, noticing nature around them. In the very beginning of lockdown it was absolutely delightful to be able to step out onto the back deck, for example, and actually hear birds instead of airplanes and automobiles and sirens. There was a delightful hush that came over our city and many noticed the benefits of that.

Worst:

Masks: There were far too many who complained about the use of masks because it personally inconvenienced them. That form of self-centeredness is far too prevalent in our myopic society. This does not include those who found it difficult due to breathing issues, so please do not lump those poor souls into the same category.

Hand Washing: There were also far too many who complained about personal hygiene and how inconvenient it was and how their hands were suffering because disinfectants were so harsh. For those sensitive to such things, there are gentler alternatives, but often people seemed to not want to hear about those.

Watching out for one another: This is where adaptability became a bit of an issue. People were getting bent out of shape about not being able to hug each other or touch one another. The human being is one that, mostly, does need some touch. But is it really necessary to hug EVERYONE in your life? I have personally found that not having the pressure to give a hug is a relief. Especially among the "Spiritual Community," hugs are considered the alternative form to a handshake. I now prefer the Namaste bow. You can still get your touch quotient without hugging everyone you know.

Technology: I must admit that, personally, learning how to work with a Zoom meeting was quite delightful. But I also have to admit that being on screen for hours at a time with work was exhausting. So I can certainly see both sides to this. Nature: Even with the abundance of nature just outside the door, many chose instead to be on Netflix, Prime Video, Crave etc. And then there were so many who just had to express how "unnatural" the entire lockdown was...every...single...day. This led to their stress being spread around. That was unfair to everyone else.

And then we have the WORST:

All through the lockdown and the development of various vaccines, there has been a nasty battle going on between people who are pro-vaccine and those who are not. Friendships haveended, and families have split up over this type of thing. And now it is edging into human rights issues, where people think that they have the right to demand to know if you have been vaccinated or not, which is none of their business. Some will discriminate against you because you have not been vaccinated, and some will discriminate against you if you have been vaccinated. This, for me, is far worse that all the inconveniences that were involved in the lockdown in the first place. 

Whether or not one has been is actually medical information that is confidential...which means that it is NOBODY'S BUSINESS. And, by the way, there are many people who are medically unable to receive a vaccine. Although businesses can UNIVERSALLY decide to keep the mask wearing and physical distancing rules in play, and although they can ask if you have been exposed to Covid, or if you have travelled out of province in the last 2 weeks, or if you have been around anyone who is isolating etc, they cannot actually demand to know if you have or have not been vaccinated. And if you tell them that you have or have not, they cannot treat you any differently than someone else. Their personal agendas regarding vaccines being good or bad are pointless when it comes to providing their services. And to judge a person based upon medical information such as this is equally discriminatory as judging them by whether or not they have AIDS, or have had a vasectomy or have had an abortion, or are a different race than yourself etc.

These are certainly interesting times in which we live. I am hoping that things will settle down and that people will get their heads screwed on straight. But in the meantime, I wonder how low we will stoop as a human species? How far are we willing to take the acts of discrimination? Are we entering an entirely new level of "The Burning Times"?

For more articles from the Shaman's Hut, visit Trent's blog at www.deerhornshamanic.com