Across the globe we are facing the uncertainty and challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Here too in South Africa a State of Disaster has been declared as the number of people who test positive for the virus increases by the day.
I hope that we go forward into this crisis with kindness and compassion. It is likely that this pandemic will reveal to us the extent of both our resilience and our fragility.
Although we are all united in being confronted by the escalating threat of the disease and the economic crisis that is unfolding in all its awfulness, the contexts from which individuals and communities face these threats are so varied that it can seem inappropriate to make any generalisations.
I am fortunate in that I do not live in cramped conditions and I do not need to use public transport where people have to be in close proximity. I am able to maintain a degree of social distance, which is recommended as a form of protection against infection.
I am fortunate in that I have access to water, for both drinking so as to keep hydrated and for washing my hands and enabling me to maintain a level of hygiene that is so vital as a protection against infection.
But even with these advantages I am consumed by anxiety – not just anxiety about the disease itself and the toll it is taking on human lives, but I am also fearful of the social and economic consequences that are already unfolding for millions of people.
For this post I chose a small selection of photos of desert plants that seem to embody resilience and fragility as they respond to the extreme conditions of the Kalahari desert. All these photos were taken in Mabuasehube Game Reserve in southern Botswana back in 2014.
I wish you all strength and resilience, and may you both give and receive kindness and empathy as we confront this crisis and perhaps even discover a new kind of unity despite the many social disparities that divide us.
And finally, let us extend deep gratitude to all those serving with such dedication in the medical and health sectors across the globe. Thank you.
Resources:
An article in the Daily Maverick – South Africa adjusts to a pandemic (19 March 2020) – lists the following as helpful, reliable sources of information:
Covid-19 South African Online Resource and News Portal
South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases
The World Health Organisations’ Covid-19 information centre
Important contacts in South Africa:
Official Toll Free Call Centre: 0800 029 999
Clinicians Hotline: 082 883 9920
Official WhatsApp Help Service: Say Hi to 0600 123 456
Posted by Carol
April 12, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Thank you for sharing these human and natural connections across the globe. I love desert plants, although I live far from such arid environments. Fragility, resilience, strength, beauty, protection.
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April 12, 2020 at 9:33 pm
These strange times are leading many of us to connect across the globe in quite intimate ways. The desert plants can seem like emblems of our commonalities as we shift between feelings denoting both resilience and fragility and everything else in between.
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April 12, 2020 at 11:53 pm
And oh how precious and good a cold glass of water is to plant and person alike in the desert.
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April 13, 2020 at 7:40 pm
True. In these times we are re-evaluating what is truly precious …
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April 1, 2020 at 6:22 am
Wise words thank yo
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March 31, 2020 at 9:41 pm
A moving post, Carol. Your thoughts are shared by many and a comfort to read. Thankful for the things we do have despite being enveloped by fear and foreboding about our future. Important to remember the silver linings. Take care and enjoy the wide open spaces around you. 💙
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April 1, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Thank you Jane. It is hard to keep a balance between a sense of gratitude for what we have and that sense of foreboding. We are are very privileged to have a garden as during our countrywide 21-day lockdown the regulations state that one can only leave home to get food, medicines, medical care and for those who qualify, to collect social grants – no leaving home for walking or to get some fresh air. Very tough for people living in cramped circumstances, particularly people in informal settlements and high density townships with little or no resources.
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April 1, 2020 at 3:13 pm
It’s so difficult, Carol. The restriction for your country of no walks is challenging. We are allowed to take cautious walks with social distancing in the city, something we relish every day. Who knows, that may change soon. Thank you for being in touch.
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March 26, 2020 at 1:34 am
As usual, Carol, an insightful and creative post. Loved the desert pictures. Wishing you the best in these trying times! -Julie
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March 27, 2020 at 8:05 pm
Thanks Julie, and wishing you all the best too, and keep safe.
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March 24, 2020 at 6:32 am
A lovely post. Inspirational thoughts along with some beautiful images for a visual feast.
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March 24, 2020 at 12:18 pm
Thank you very much Gunta. Incredible how the globe over we are faced with a common threat.
With best wishes.
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March 22, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Wishes of strength and resilience to you and South Africa too – take care and keep safe.
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March 24, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Thank you so much Adele, and may you keep safe too. As in the UK, we are going into a lockdown. As you may be aware, it was announced by our President last night and will take effect countrywide from midnight on Thursday. Under the circumstances it is the wisest decision and has widespread support.
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March 21, 2020 at 6:59 am
Lovely post and the perfect images for these trying times. I hope you are well and that things aren’t too bad in your area. Here, more cases are turning up so we are still on the downward slope I thing, but hopefully for not too long.
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March 24, 2020 at 12:07 pm
Hi Graham. Very difficult times indeed – not just the disease itself but the economic, social and emotional consequences too. Last night our President announced that the entire country will go into lockdown from midnight on Thursday. Fortunately this decision has widespread support – although the practical realities are daunting.
The number of infected people testing positive is escalating. Today the number is at 554 – up by 152 from yesterday. Most of these patients are doing okay with many asymptomatic (the authorities have being doing track and trace) with 2 in intensive care but not requiring ventilators. There have been no deaths so far. The expectation is for the numbers to continue rising of course, but the hope is for the lockdown to flatten the curve.
Very stressful times the world over. I hope that you keep safe and well. Are you allowed to go out to the beach and even to snorkel I wonder?
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March 25, 2020 at 5:22 am
We start our lockdown at midnight tonight, through April 30. At first, based on reports in the papers, I thought my usual outdoor activities would be forbidden, but when I found the text of the official decree I saw it was OK for “Outdoor exercise activities, including ocean activities such as surfing and swimming, so long as social distancing requirements are maintained.” The only snag with this is that the county and state beach parks, which provide best access to swimming, snorkeling, and surfing beaches, are all closed. So if I want to get in the water, I have to go somewhere where it’s more dicey getting in and out. Ah well, at least I can still go for a walk.
This state has far fewer cases than you, still in double digits, but our first death yesterday. Most of the cases are people returning home from the mainland and also some visitors, but there have been a few none travel related cases.
Our president is thinking about easing restrictions because some people are more worried about the economy suffering than people dying. Words fail me.
I hope you and your family are doing as well as can be expected under these trying circumstances. All the best.
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March 27, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Well be careful if you decide to try some of the trickier places to get into the water.
We had our first Covid-19 death reported today with a second death possibly also related to the virus but that is yet to be confirmed. The number of people testing positive with the virus continues to escalate.
I have read about the incomprehensibly contradictory stances espoused by the US president and watched a recent televised “briefing” that was astonishingly bizarre, and I have difficulty understanding why his supporters find such performances in the least bit persuasive or reassuring. It is all extremely worrying to put it mildly.
Thank you for your good wishes, and I wish you all the best too. Keep safe.
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March 27, 2020 at 11:28 pm
I did manage to get in the water at a new spot and it was most enjoyable. It’s not a place I’d got to if there’s any swell, but today was calm.
Our Covid-19 cases are creeping up but still at only 120 for the state and only 7 confirmed on this island. Most are on Oahu, which isn’t surprising since it’s the most populated island.
As for our president, I always think of him as a five-year-old, wanting to be the center of attention and throwing his toys out of the pram when he frequently gets upset. His most consistent feature is that he lies about everything. I’m not surprised he has supporters – there are a fair number of racists and misogynists in this country. What surprises me is that people who voted for Obama could turn around and think Trump was a good option. I guess they believed things he said despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Ah well, enough about hat. The sun is shining and there’s a hedge outside begging me to trim it! Take care.
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March 28, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Glad you had calm seas for a safe and enjoyable swim.
I hope the incidences of Covid-19 in Hawaii are contained.
I can’t think of anything to add to your observations about the US president, except that from afar it seems so implausible that someone like that can be where he is and continue to garner support. (It is probably incredible sometimes even when not from afar.)
In these days, sunshine and hedge-trimming and the like can help us cope.
You take care too.
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March 21, 2020 at 6:05 am
Dear Carol,
Your thoughts echo mine in these times. Nature is always an example in resilience, we as humans need to learn patience, fortitude and still find joy in our daily lives. I love your posts, and yes, many of our online connections are very special! Thank you! xxxx
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March 21, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Thank you Christeen. Sometimes those balances can be hard to achieve, but it is true that nature can indeed be a helpful teacher. In these times online connections can seem even more special. Take care.
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March 30, 2020 at 10:32 am
Indeed Carol, I’m very grateful to have special cyber friends! Take care. xxx
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March 30, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Thanks and you too.
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March 20, 2020 at 10:17 am
A lovely, thoughtful post. I echo your so very well-chosen words.
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March 20, 2020 at 11:05 am
As do I. Thank you, Carol 🙂
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March 20, 2020 at 7:28 pm
Thank you Sandra. I hope you are able to benefit from time outside and even get some fresh sea air if the weather is suitable. Keep safe and take care.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:26 pm
Thank you very much Margaret. Sending best wishes.
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March 20, 2020 at 8:34 pm
And to you. The blogosphere is turning out to be a welcoming safe space. I’m enjoying the support, and virtual friendships.
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March 20, 2020 at 8:51 pm
That is true – it is a very supportive and heartwarming space, and I appreciate our virtual friendship.
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March 20, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Me too!
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March 20, 2020 at 8:59 pm
🙂
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March 20, 2020 at 9:36 am
Thank you for this inspiring post. We will come out stronger and perhaps as you write “even discover a new kind of unity despite the many social disparities that divide us.”
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March 20, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Thanks so much Edith. We can only be hopeful and try to practice kindness.
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March 20, 2020 at 9:20 am
Great insperation Carol . Thank you so much.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:21 pm
Thank you Suzette. I am imagining your wonderful sea air as I think of you, and take care.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:51 am
Very well said, Carol and let us all be thankful and send Love and Kindness to the whole Mother Earth at this moment of crisis. All will be good.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Thanks Kamal and I have also been mindful of Mother Earth at this time of the pandemic. Thank you for your optimistic kindness.
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March 21, 2020 at 7:43 am
Welcome Carol.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:16 am
Ah yes, resilience. Thank you for the beautiful photographs that illustrate your well made point
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March 20, 2020 at 7:15 pm
Thanks very much Mariss. Keep safe where you are and take care.
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March 20, 2020 at 8:19 pm
You too
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March 20, 2020 at 5:24 am
Thank you for your lovely inspiring post and beautiful images. Reminded us of both the fragility and yet also the resilience of nature. An inspiring and encouraging message delivered timeously – thank you Carol. Love your delicate flower images, especially the last one with the rainbow!
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March 20, 2020 at 2:39 pm
And thank you Carol. I am touched that this post brought a sense of encouragement. I also thought the flower and rainbow picture contributed to what I was trying to say. Keep safe.
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March 20, 2020 at 4:41 am
Such a sensible and compassionate post. I have absorbed it with great joy.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Thanks very much Anne. May you and your family stay safe as this crisis further unfolds.
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March 20, 2020 at 3:40 am
So many reasons to despair and give up all hope in the current circumstances, and I constantly have to remind myself that my own anxieties are likely multiplied dozens of times in those less fortunate than us. So much could go askew. Lots will. What price will we pay individually, as a community, as a country, continent, planet?
And then, on a Friday morning, I find inspiration on your blog, again as so many times before. Thank you, Carol. God bless you and everyone you hold dear.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Your first paragraph is so true and the question you pose gets to the heart of our distress.
I was hesitant to share my thoughts but I am glad that I did and that it struck a chord with people also facing the immensity of this crisis even in other continents. Thank you for your caring and may you and your family stay safe.
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March 20, 2020 at 12:01 am
Wise words. Thanks.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Thanks Nick. Keep safe.
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March 19, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Thank you for a wonderful post with wise words and wonderful photography. Wishing you well and safe there, Carol.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Thanks very much Pete, and I wish you health and safety too through these difficult times.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:21 pm
Thank you, Carol.
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March 19, 2020 at 9:32 pm
Wonderful post , peace , eco 🍃
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March 20, 2020 at 2:24 pm
Thank you very much – wishing you peace and safety too.
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March 19, 2020 at 9:14 pm
A nice message of resilience vs frailty, coupled with lovely photos -wishing you health and safety during these times ❤ And some peace of mind too! I know the anxiety is overwhelming.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:24 pm
Hi MB, thank you very much and I wish you health and safety too, and also ways to find some peace when the anxiety becomes overwhelming. It can be helpful to share our feelings and gain a sense of support. Thanks again.
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March 19, 2020 at 8:47 pm
Resilience and fragility…that sums up life so well, Carol. Your images and message are inspiring.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Thank you Sandy. It is hard fully to realise how most of the world over we are all caught up in the trajectories of this health crisis and the associated economic consequences. Keep safe.
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March 20, 2020 at 3:21 pm
A crazy time. We will get through it.
You keep safe, also.
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March 19, 2020 at 8:47 pm
I hope that you and yours find the utmost in resilience throughout this, Carol. While ‘these are times that try men’s souls,’ hopefully, we will get through this and emerge victorious.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Thank you very much Eliza. And I wish you and yours the same through these times that do indeed try us so profoundly. I hope you stay safe and find much in nature to sustain you.
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March 20, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Thank you, Carol.
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March 19, 2020 at 8:29 pm
I have been absent for a very long time as I battled, with great help, out of a deep dark place. Now, blinking in the light of a new dawn and ironically feeling stronger psychologically than I have for a very long time, when the world is consumed by a novel virus that is cutting a swathe through it’s every region and the domino effect of self-isolation and quarantine on business’s large and small is registering hard, I am delighted to ‘find’ you again and the more so for your wise, compassionate words with which I think all can empathise. This is a sorry time. This is an acutely anxious time but this is also a time when we can,if we will find ourselves more cooperative, more decent, kinder, more tolerant and more human-kind that we have demonstrated in far far too many moons. I have hope that what emerges in terms of the human species will be the silver lining of this disaster. Hope but not assumption.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Dear Osyth, I have been concerned about you and thank you for ‘finding’ me as you emerge from the place of darkness. I genuinely salute your tremendous courage in being able to find a new dawn and how wonderful too that you had help that you were able to grasp. I wish you all strength and may your hard won healing sustain you through this sorry time that you describe so acutely.
I too, along with many others, hope that this crisis will spur us into greater kindness.
Please take care of yourself too and may you and those around you stay safe.
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March 20, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Thank you for those lovely words. I am taking care – I know what I have to do and some of it is in direct opposition to my natural tendency to solitaire. Staying mindful is the key. It always is in a life but I somehow lost the knack for a while. I wish you and yours safety and health and look forward to ‘seeing’ more of you as we jog along.
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March 20, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Thank you Osyth, and it will be good to keep in touch. May you and yours stay safe and well too.
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March 19, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Thank you Aunty Carol. Such a fitting choice of photos. Even in the harshness these plants have found a way to adapt as will we as a nation and nations. I love the last photo with the rainbow, signifying hope and promise.
Thank you for sharing your heart. Stay safe everyone out there and God Bless you all. ❤️
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March 20, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Dear Debs – your comments on the photos express my intentions so well, thank you. It appears that many of us feel that a sense of shared caring and concern will help us better deal with the fearfulness and anxiety – not to mention the practical difficulties – that are so hard when alone. Despite the physical and social isolation that we need to adopt as much as possible, we can try to find ways to help each other and also accept the recommendations of the health services whose vital assistance and care for those of us who fall ill we all depend on.
Keep safe and sending love.
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