7 March 2020
Dear friends,
Another week has passed. We have now been in quarantine for a month. I don't see any end in sight at the moment. My hope is we can have satsang and seva sometime in the summer. But we haven’t reached the peak of the virus curve as yet, neither in Italy nor in Europe nor North America for that matter. We are in uncharted waters, so that makes us explorers of new territory. That means I'm trying to see it as an adventure and not as a punishment.
As the lazy days of quarantine get longer, I’m faced with my first big challenge so far. Soon I’ll need a haircut really badly. Am I brave enough to let my wife cut my hair? I’m already hair-compromised. What will happen if Ann cuts it? I’m sure all of you can relate to my challenging dilemma. If anyone has advice, I’m happy to listen.
Today is our last day having gate security sevadars with us. The restrictions have narrowed and our centre no longer qualifies as needing anyone attending. The quiet will now be quite deafening. But the national police, the Carabinieri, have assured us that they will check on us and the site regularly. These years of trying to create goodwill with our local community are worthwhile. The Carabinieri are sincere in saying they will give us extra attention in their rounds. I doubt they will come but I have the commandante’s personal phone number in case of emergency. But my trying to speak to him in Italian will create its own emergency. I’m at nursery school level. I could create a situation that is almost equal to the problem, so we will see what happens.
Neither of us is worried about being alone here. We feel safe. But with gate sevadars we could ask for help when needed, or at least have someone to say hello to and have a little chat with. Does this mean that now that we will be alone it will be really time to turn inwards?
That’s the challenge and opportunity of this time. Will I use it wisely or just drift through it? So far Amazon Prime has won over extra meditation, but I live in hope, as Baba Ji says to do.
It’s now Tuesday morning. Last night I locked up the centre and the front doors to the office area. Our apartment is on the first floor (second floor to Americans) of the office area. It is probably the first time those doors have been locked. There is a certain stillness here that wasn’t here before, even though it was only two people besides us.
In observing myself I realize how easy it would be to lose balance over coronavirus fears and worries. It can easily become an obsession. I’ve received so many messages about it being a conspiracy or the beginning of the end of the world. I’m schooling myself to balance. Yes, I check the numbers in Italy and the world two to three times a day. It is a marker in my day but I am not letting myself read all the articles, as their influence slowly seeps into every part of my mind, colouring its atmosphere.
It is His will. End of story. We’re using our common sense in our behaviour. I’m being bossy with Ann and not allowing her to leave the centre. But what else can we do but try to use this time wisely and serve him in whatever capacity possible? So I do the shopping, which means I can buy lovely unhealthy things that she wouldn’t let me buy normally.
Ann has been busy planting vegetables in the garden so that if this persists we will have plenty to eat. As it is, we have winter vegetables still growing – lettuce, chard, spinach, cabbage, etc. The garden looks lovely and brings a certain health in just looking at it as it is so green and alive. Well done, Ann and the ‘orto’ team. (Isn’t my Italian brilliant? I know the name of ‘vegetable garden’ in Italian! You might laugh, but I’m proud and surprised I know it.)
Ann has also baked bread this week and is making her sourdough starter. Am I lucky or not?
I’m very grateful for all the messages of love and concern that we are receiving. I haven’t been in contact with some of you for considerable time. Thanks so much. Our best wishes to all of you. Please be cautious. Isn’t our seva to make his life easier? To me the only way to do that in these times is, of course, to meditate more, but also to be careful and do as doctors ask and as our very own “good doctor” asks. Isn’t he the healer of our hearts? Forgive my preachy ramblings.
Our very best and with affection,
Bill & Ann