Opinions

I must admit it, so clip this column as Exhibit A when it’s gone altogether, but I’m losing my mind. During a second weekend of precautionary, self-administered quarantine status, the thoughts occupying this noggin, some briefly while others boast of having squatters’ rights, are making me sho-nuff dizzy.

See if you can keep up long enough to make a diagnosis.

Guess what I ate this weekend?

Learning social-distancing and the new normal are being forced on stubborn mankind.

Few things have changed society as COVID-19 has. The Plague maybe or the 1918 Spanish Flu perhaps. But this virus has shutdown entire countries and has quieted the most strident voices as it has worked its way from China to the rest of the world. Even politicians are trying to cobble together a relief bill to keep America’s economy moving during these uncertain times. This is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms and pneumonia. Why, then can we not find toilet paper anywhere?

We started in the lotus position which, in itself, was no small accomplishment.

We were cross-legged on yoga mats while candles flickered around the room and the sounds of waves flowed through our shared space.

I was three states away.

It seemed as if I were three planets away.

Essential oils were distributed. “Would you care for lemon or eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint?” the instructor asked.

“Yes,” I said, obviously intimidated by her, the oils, the mats, the candles and, of course, the lotus position.