Step 4: Reflect

At present, we're faced with the COVID-19 novel coronavirus which is causing disruption to our communities and livelihoods. We need our connections in each of our communities, to lean on each other, more than ever. We're working hard, here on Bainbridge Island, to get community members to talk about what we each have in abundance, to share that excess with others, and not mindlessly throw away. We're also talking about how we can help each other in times of need. So, as I'm not going to run out to buy supplies that don't even exist on the store shelves, I'm sourcing good community information about what we all can share more. For example, I have lots of homemade soap to share for all of us handwashers here on this part of the island. Another neighbor just chimed in with her advice about what local greens we can forage (nettles!) to boost our immune systems. (Now we can share recipes. I have a favorite nettle omelette and nettle soup.) Others are willing to help pick up and drop off items for those who are home sick and can't get out. So, what's easy? Taking stock of my own bounty and asking others to do the same. What's difficult? Getting us all to take the time to take stock, and let everyone know what we have in excess, as it could truly help another person. We can do this so we can all become more resilient, finding ways to show the community that we're "better together" rather than each of us holing ourselves up with the short-lived abundance we just purchased as part of this emergency. I want to think more long-term, paint pictures of our community as a web, that is woven tightly to hold us together in health and strength. If this thing lasts for a few months, we need to learn how to ask and give and share what's right here in our 'hood.