We must go on… so now what?

Dear Readers,

As an outdoor educator I am looking at the future and beyond, not sure of the timeline but looking at and for reasonable and fair solutions.  Going outside just now means practicing physical (social) distancing with elements of a future “lock down,” (Emergencies Act).  Some parks are closed.  So, the present is one thing the future is “what lies ahead?”  We don’t want physical (social) distancing to be painful or expensive.  So, a potpourri of thoughts…

There are so many benefits from being with nature…Vitamin D, better air quality and some beneficial organic compounds that are emitted from trees, what we know as “fresh air.”  Anxiousness is always reduced when being outside.  There is the mindful breathing and chi given from the healthy experience and the activity all part of a good dose of Vitamin N – Nature; there’s more.

But first how will it be before we step out of the house… to work, to church, to school, to a concert or convention, the grocery store anywhere where we may have to congregate and continue to practice physical distancing for a short or longer time?  This within travel and transitions, near and afar, will be the new norms for getting on a school bus, any transit or plane.  There will be case to case anomalies that a tribunal or someone will have to rule upon. There is a big difference between rural and urban interactions; density and space are variables.  There will be innovative solutions and guidelines to avoid crowding.

We comply when the “asks” are fair and reasonable, that is now the climate of the day.   But before we go out there will be the manufacture of some sort of home or commercial, pregnancy type of litmus paper test that indicates a green, good to go or the amber, go to the designated health assessment centre.  GPS will track us most likely with travel abroad.  The virus does not have a brain, we will have vaccines.

There will be reusable and washable rubber compound types of gloves and masks, that sounds like a preparedness virtue, for now or for the next outbreak.  We will have several pairs, and these will have a shelf life. We will utilize as instructed with regards to transitions and destinations. Given or purchased, with different qualities; this will be like any other product or service we buy or are given.

Eventually we may all be part of a vulnerable health check. The temporal nature of records and databases will be even more important.  This could be through an App or online program.  Taking and recording our body temperatures daily has already started in some places in the world.  Just like brushing your teeth at morning and night or with more frequency.  We will have to establish a baseline or starting point. There will be so many education and awareness programs, most will be online; some with completion recording. We will learn so much from our global neighbours on the do’s and don’ts.

Back to the trails we will veer, so stay right just as on the roads keeping our distance. Knowing who we are with will be the familiar norm.  Some day we will look forward to school trips with changes to delivery.

We listen to science and the Medical Officers of Health, decisions and guidelines will be made on new social behaviour.  All of which is forthcoming.  The dystopian context is not fiction.  Let’s get outside when we next can – respectfully and responsibly?  What will become true? What do you think, what is reasonable and fair and healthy? We need to be part of the solution(s).

Bill Steer – Citizen   bill@canadianecology.ca

Founder – Canadian Ecology Centre – Headmaster and GM

Part-time faculty – Nipissing University and Canadore College