As we all deal with the fears, frustrations, and unexpected joys of slowing down and isolating in the midst of our worldwide “update and restart,” we are also missing each other. One of the more sobering downsides of isolation is a tendency to seek community in outrage and fear. But this, like our canned goods, has a shelf life.
We are learning just how precious our attention is. And as we are forced to filter out some content, we start to be more discerning about what we let in: joy, generosity, inspiration, beauty, and silliness are taking their rightful places in our consciousness. And the slow but relentless unfolding of spring is getting the notice it deserves.
On the Coast we’ve had so many businesses adapt to serve us with deftness and cheer. Groceries, take-out food, hardware, plumbing supplies, livestock feed . . . what we need is still made available. We shout out our gratitude nightly to essential service workers and health-care heroes. We howl in our communities to be reminded of our connection to each other and to Nature.
Businesses have found unique and particular ways to thank our essential workers. An example is Gourmet Girl Café and Catering, who packed up an entire Easter dinner, 120 meals over two days, for every employee of our hospital. Another is High Beam Dreams in Gibsons, who reserved a number of event tickets for each local concert, starting when the doors are open again, just for essential service workers. Neighbours are finding ways to support the people who need to strictly isolate.
Professional musicians have seen their livelihoods vanish, for now. Amateur musicians have had the choirs, groups, and jam sessions that give them so much joy put on indefinite hold. But even in these areas there is a reaching out and a commitment to what music is about: sharing and delight. Sandy Matches, landscape designer, choir member, and Pender Harbour resident, started Sunshine Coast Quarantined Concert Series:
“I felt that this unexpected isolation had a big impact on our local performances. It seemed a timely vehicle to keep our community singing and sharing music.”
Silas White, former Gibsons councillor, appreciates online conviviality, and a little motivation:
“I tremendously miss practising with my band once a week. The collective creativity and socialization definitely wasn’t something I took for granted, but I still appreciate it all the more now that we can’t do it. And frankly, this world crisis affects our mental health in different, unique ways, and for me, I have not been naturally inspired to play or write a lot of songs these days. The Quarantine Concert Series has at least given me some kind of motivation or structure to pick up my guitar and learn a new song, or relearn an old one.”
This has brought some people out of their social media shells, as Mark Brezer, realtor, business owner, and new father (and musician) explains:
“Social media is only now finding a meaningful place in my life. It allows me to share with others during a time of unfathomable limitations. I love expressing my passion every time I get, and playing music is number one.”
Words | Nancy Pincombe
