Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Bernie, Co Meath

Contributor

Bernie

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Meath; 2020s:

Date

13 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Longwood, Co. Meath.

USUAL LOCATION

Same.

Q. 1 STAGES

Initial reaction was a selfish one. I was thinking Thank God it's China and not here. So, when it started spreading so quickly some panic and fear came up in me so I practised Tai chi and meditation And that helped. I felt the process with others was similar to mine but some were not following guidelines thinking themselves immune.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

I'm nearly 65 so have not done full time work for a long time. On a perfume (CFP-part-time) basis I teach TaiChi and Personal development. These skills are very important to me right now, I practise daily. I'm used to living alone and I'm fine with that. My daily routine is as follows. Mornings are spent listening to a mystic I follow ( Mooji) and I'll do a meditation with him which is very calming. I also listen to Cornelius Non-Duality who's live on Instagram each morning. I talk to one or two friends on the phone. After a nice healthy lunch, I drive 2km and go for a long walk on the Royal Canal. If I need to go to the supermarket I'll go after my walk. I then come home and prepare dinner. I'm doing lots more cooking and I love it. After dinner around 6-30 I'll watch TV for the evening I go to bed around 11-30 And read a little. On Holy Thursday I tuned into a funeral and I cried more than at other funerals I have been to. This was because I did not have the usual distractions so it was interesting to have that freedom of being fully present emotionally if not physically. I've no experience yet of birthdays but my 65th is on the 2nd of May and I love to celebrate my birthday.

Q. 3 GROUPS

All groups are being challenged right now all over the world. Young children trying to comprehend this is very difficult, teenagers are at an age where their friends are more important than family are now spending most of their time in their bedrooms. Anyone due to do exams is very stressed. Parents are anxious about home schooling. Older people are missing their grandchildren. So, there are many challenges and I'm witnessing the majority doing their best. I see this as an opportunity to come home to myself, to learn to live from the inside out. I've been doing this for many years but always allowed outside distractions to pull me away.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Mostly people saying it's happening for a reason; the earth is healing we can hear the birds clearly. Then there's all the conspiracy theories which I've stopped watching. Some of my conversations are there's something very sinister going on it’s like a war. Is it true that this virus was purposely put out there in order to see how much we could be controlled? Whatever is going on we know it's a very contagious virus and we have to stick to the guidelines. I met an old neighbour on my walk the other day and my instinct was to hug her so having to stay apart feels strange. On Mother’s Day my daughters came into the back garden and we had a conversation for 10mins so conversations are shorter because of distancing. You can't sit down and enjoy a relaxing glass of wine. I go to a friend and she comes out to her gate and I stay in the car and we chat for a few minutes. The really big thing I'm missing is a hug from family and friends.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

What I've witnessed is all the Teddy Bears in Windows as I walk around the community it's a lovely idea. What does make me happy is we are all in this together so there's a sense of collectiveness across the world. What annoyed me was that English people were allowed to disembark from a boat and able to drive to wherever they were going while we cannot go beyond 2km. This has not been highlighted on the media and I would love to know why. Last week the Irish that did travel were told that they now had to stay put. Will the English be told that???

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I'm thinking that our world will change forever and I hope it's for the better only then will we say we did our bit and it was worth it. I'm thinking about celebrating my 65th properly and meeting and hugging friends. I'm thinking of places I'd like to see in my own country that I haven't seen yet. I'm thinking about dressing up again for an occasion.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Well we will never say, ‘Never again’ because we know now anything can happen. I think people are living a more simple life and may wake up to what's really important. I'm hoping the false stuff will fall away e.g. nails, eyebrows, botox, fillers, etc. We will see the true beauty of a person.

Q. 10 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

I think your questions were broad and clear enough.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

For me so far it hasn't been too bad. I'm used to being on my own for long periods but the missing of meeting up with friends is a big loss. Early on I could have so easily gone into self-pity and the poor me syndrome. I quickly woke up to the fact that in the big scheme of things I'm not that important. I'm getting a chance through meditations and Taichi /Qigong to look at parts of me that need changing.
I'm seeing this as if I'm on a retreat.

age

51-69

gender

Femsle