Stop the World I Want to Get Off!
How many times in our busy, busy lives do we say this? I know I have and now we have the perfect moment in time right here at our doorstep to do just that. So take advantage of it!
Listen to this viral video going around right now of an Italian city, Siena, where one person begins a song and the rest of the neighbors from their own balconies join in and sing along with him. Would this have happened months ago – maybe not because we WERE TOO BUSY TO STOP and listen and join in to something so simple and beautiful as that song.
The song, entitled “Canto della Verbena” (Song of the Verbena) — also known as “E mentre Siena dorme” (While Siena Sleeps) — is sung to show local pride in Siena.
Below are the lyrics translated to English:
Verbena is born in Piazza del Campo
Long live our Siena, long live our Siena
Verbena is born in Piazza del Campo
Long live our Siena, the most beautiful city!
This event, this pandemic, happening in our world right now is something a majority of the us have never experienced. I will admit to being a bit fearful for myself but I tried to push that aside and kept on living a normal life the last few weeks. I have only changed my habits because it has gotten apparent that to control this outbreak we must isolate ourselves to avoid a rapid spread of this virus so we do not overload the healthcare system. I have spent most of my time at home, but I still will go out to shop if I need something. I sit at home and hear the news (of which I turn off after I get the headlines) I think on how this might change our world a bit.
As a retired teacher I have dealt with families who are stretched for time and money and watched as the children suffer from the anxiety expressed by their parents.
Parents and children – maybe this is your wakeup call to reconnect with your children. Take this opportunity to get to know your children again. There are so many learning opportunities available on the internet spend some time with your children as they do their lessons. Then, take them on virtual field trips – go to the Louvre in France on a virtual tour and teach them about history, art, music. Show them that the world is smaller than we think and that what happens in China really does affect us here in the US.
I know, finances will be hard especially those parents who work an hourly job. Take advantage of the help you can get from the government but do not forget the help you can get from your neighbors. Personally, we know such families and have offered help to them in anyway they will need it.
To the world out there – take care, take it slow and take advantage of how the world as stopped and you can SLOW down.
MJmusiclady 