As a global gypsy since birth these are interesting times indeed for me. I've had my share of success in career, friends from all walks of life, experiences that few gain access to, and been to places that have shaped my core. At that core what exists an unwavering value of freedom. Freedom of expression, creativity, and lifestyle. Typically I live off a constant flow of adventure, inspired by beauty and sometimes disaster. But without that freedom these past months due to the virus lockdown it is now reduced to something new... something strange.
In our lifetime we have seen walls come down. Walls go up. Boarders change, wars rage, and terrorist attacks become a norm. Now a new war rages that surpasses 9/11 but it is not 'out there' or 'us vs them'. This war is being fought in the four walls of the home, apartment or hotel we are currently isolated in. Somedays we thrive and accept this cocoon opportunity to reconnect with what is important in life. Others we fall apart before we open our eyes in the morning. Throughout this rollercoaster I've been massively concerned by the lack of real stories making it out. It is not just the virus raging, the hearts of the people across the world are demanding change. From pedophile politicians to police brutality everything is up for question. The sheeple of society have willingly gone to the slaughterhouse and eaten the dusty lies from the pulpit of power and self interests. This is not a new game.
Try to consider the infinite ways this is playing out in real life across the planet right now. Those who were already hand to mouth to exist are suffering the worst. In India its more common than not to be day-by-day in terms of putting food on the table. The fast and furious manner this virus hit has further paralysed the already immobile. We resent the uber wealthy in part because they are impervious to any happenings. Human teflon. And yet the whole world has been caught up in this non-judgemental virus- from world leaders to street sweepers we are all along for this terrifying ride.
I'm thinking about the myriad of situations happening-
The illicit couple that are 'stranded' on a secret holiday with each other that was supposed to be a business trip. Realising the lust was not worth the trauma and broken families they will eventually go back to.
The young Italian boy who sunny days shattered overnight as he never got to say goodbye to his single Mum as she was taken to the hospital he can't visit. And she will never depart.
The small business man who has to lay off his brilliant team and close his business. Bills and expenses that will not be able to be paid. Homes that will crumble under the burden.
The ego-fueld Wallstreet coke addict accustomed to moving and shaking all over the world. Suddenly trapped with no options. Left with his addictions and fear.
The woman in love with a man who cannot come to her country so she decides to stay in a hotspot and brave the coming war zone in a third world country.
The thai lady boy who is forced to move out of the go go bar and live by the roadside- pulling tricks that could cost his life any moment.
The rich family who takes the private jet to the Maldives for an exclusive time-out while the rest of the filthy world falls apart.
How much will change once this is all over? Very little, unfortunately. While the world is shut down and our wings clipped worse has happened before and things have a strange yet undeniable way of returning to how they always were. We protest, we post on our social media accounts, but we rarely change. Corporate and political systems always win. I hope I'm not being too cynical. Yet this will be no more than another in an infinite chain of mini/macro disasters that the steam engine of life will roll over and forget.
How will you be changed from this strange and challenging year called 2020? May we all see with a clearer and more truthful vision of what is going on. When everything is uncertain everything that is important becomes clear.
Here's to getting our freedom back. What a precious and magical thing it really is.