When No One Was Looking

 When no one was looking, they did the right thing. They collaborated and expanded their thinking. They listened to alternative points of view and changed their own. They delved deep and felt a connection to others they never felt before. They were isolated but then blossomed into a new reality with hope.

When no one was looking there was a confluence, a collision of the invisible and powerful with the macro-world. This invasion was vast, unprecedented and it stopped gatherings, intimacy and connection. It caused isolation, and it destroyed lives. For viruses are relentless and we were unprepared.

But this turbulence, this precariousness led to camaraderie for so many- virtually for most, in person for others. It created a commonality. A universal disturbance in the force. It made people pause, listen and plan ahead. For precaution became the norm. Mavericks became empowered. For awareness heightens and strengthens.

The place is unimportant. It could be a hallway, classroom, or playground. A supermarket, a public park. There could be a single person or one or many- nearby. The maverick remains silent. Noticing. Acquiring. There is a privilege of being here. An inheritance of understanding that this real estate is invaluable. That being outside, being in school, being active in the world is the music of life.

When no one was looking they sewed the fabric. Tightly and proficiently, they brought together the threads, wove it, nurtured it and teased it into a tapestry. When the verge of chaos reigned- these warriors, rebels, and architects designed sturdy lessons. They developed routines and familiar paths so their students could feel safe and comfortable. No one noticed the dedication of such an endeavor. For the threads were many and the needles dull.

When no one was looking they fused together atoms into molecules and with sheer willpower and faith, the mavericks and warriors created an organism of trust and curiosity- energized and animated. No one noticed the fortitude of such an endeavor. For energy refuses to be harnessed, but when we win and it seizes- the task seems effortless. But these educators never wavered.

When no one was looking, the subtlety came back. The behaviors returned. The nardowellers pushed over their shelters and began shouting negativity and anger. They stirred up the muck and the once clear waters became murky with superiority complexes and a battle for control. Control over freedom and choice. They are acting out from fear. They are destroying normalcy for their own gain. These are those we must keep an eye on, try to engage with, yet keep our distance- for they are out to cause chaos for the sake of chaos.

When no one was looking people started voluntarily wearing masks and voluntarily getting vaccinated. There was a movement towards humanity and the greater good. Although some are on their own path, swayed by a myriad of circumstances- many are protecting, many are seeing the big picture. This is necessary. This is the stability we need to recover. We will slowly move towards common ground- but for now we are in a quagmire- wrought with idealism, dissension and strife. When no one was looking, solidarity became polarity and group think.

But within these walls of confinement and separation, beneath the frustration and us versus them- we have an opportunity to discuss and understand. We have an opportunity to reach out and help mitigate the effects of fear and ignorance. We have the opportunity not to judge and ridicule but to listen and empathize. I hope we start to look, to see these opportunities rather than hunker in our corners and pass blame.

When no one was looking we forgot. We neglected it. We focused on the wrong things. Some day soon we will be looking and designing, developing, determining where to go from here. We will lay the groundwork for big positive changes and with grace and kindness we will reach out and gather others to join us in this effort- and many will join willingly and with purpose. This is idealism, this is putting humanity, decency and faith first. This I hope is not going to happen when no one is looking- but when we all stop and stare- focus and engage.