It has been a while...
Stay-safe and caring greetings from California! What a wild world we see out there… Pandemic… Global pandemic. I did not think I would write another post in a while due to the many thoughts going through me that I felt a need to process. Also because Woodenbucket, and this blog, was not a forum I initially created for all necessary discussions. But at this point it is inevitable to not keep on discussing and mention the other nasty “virus” that we now are trying to make up with in not only US but all over the world, Racism. There is so much to say in times like these and I still feel like I should listen more than I speak, so that I try. On the other hand, when do we start speaking and working instead of just listening? Perhaps now is a good time. Obviously, we all have a large role to play in whatever environment we are in at the moment. No space is perhaps free of racism? When I see the world today I see things we need to ask ourselves inner and deeply; do I want an equal world with diversity and multicultural societies? I think 110% so. How about you? If the answer is yes, we have work to do. If the answer is no, then you have even more work to do, but I will have hard time helping you right now, maybe soon I will. I would like to state that we are a majority of people who do want the world, both our local and the global to stay multicultural and diverse, striving for justice and fairness and solidarity for all different humans no matter background, gender, economic class and color of the skin. We, myself included, who are part of this majority needs to go to work. And the one thing more I will mention in this topic right now at this point is: please get familiar with what Robin DiAngelo defines as “white fragility” because we are many I am sure who find it very important and so accurate, of all skin color and even gender, she touches on all biases and the connecting points between sexism and racism. Listen to her discussion during this podcast as a start, Goop production:
Goop production and Robin DiAngelo on dismantling white fragility
No matter how we proceed, we have lots of momentum right now and possibility to do the work, the anti-racism work.
Otherwise on the pandemic side of life, I gave up missing all the things that did not happen or should have happened and then instantly became at least a little more content with my situation and life. Trying to stay safe for myself and others by applying recommended actions, social distancing, mas/face coverage and social bubbles. Getting quite used to making a fashion-statement including masks (see below)… not that fun though but out of respect very possible. Important things right now: plan my time in the lab well, plan my nature time well with at least one long hike in forest every week and neighborhood walks at least 5 times a week. You know this feeling of walking the same route a couple of times and paying attention to it, instead of just being on the phone or on our way? It is pretty soothing and healing for the soul in times like these.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves and family!!
Love from Berkeley
Arsenals season is over soon.. looking forward to next year! 😅 congrats Liverpool though, even as a Gunner I feel for them ❤️ Also, Warrioirs, next season! This last one was warm-up…