Imagine

During the first couple of weeks of “lockdown” or “shelter-in-place” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, music has become a solace for many people. Folks sing from their windows and neighbors join in, some stand on their front porches and serenade neighbors and passersby. Through social media musicians play for us from their homes, either to raise support for those on the front lines or just to uplift our spirits. One musical interlude that went viral and was profoundly felt by many was that of two doctors at the Mayo Clinic taking a brief time out, one signing while the other accompanied on a piano, John Lennon’s Imagine.

This song resonates with many people at this time of upheaval and uncertainty. There is hope in many of us that when our world uprights itself again it will be a better place:

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one

While some may think this is a dark time, I see light; I feel light even though my heart is heavy for others. I have a secure home but know some may lose theirs. I have plenty of food while some wait in long lines at the food banks. I have lost no one to the virus but some are not so lucky. I do not live in fear but feel I have surrendered to whatever is to come, yet upon further scrutiny I realize it is a false surrender. It is backed up with shelter, food and health.

In Justin’s view “there are three things to be done (realized): To recognize, deeply feel and accord with Impermanence.” I think we are all being given that opportunity right now whether we want it or not. “Then, and only then, is it possible to find out Who and What we are (transcending Impermanence).” This is a very interesting time of self-evaluation; what are our values, beliefs, emotions, motives, what kind of a human being are we, etcetera.

I am heartened by the T’ai Chi Chih teachers who are reaching out with Zoom to support their students and connect teachers. This is certainly a time of extremes without a lot of balance. Now more than ever the practice of TCC is needed to soften the hardship this virus is creating. This is a vulnerable time for all of us and it is important to reach out in whatever way we can with generosity and openness of spirit, especially so after the pandemic is over.

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one