Activity

Sharing favorite workarounds to the system (reposted with link removed–thanks to Margaret W. for cluing me in!): Going through the 2020 vidchats for the first time, I came upon an excellent contribution by Technomage in the African-European Time Zone Vidchat, July 24, 2020, 2:13:08-2:20:56. It has to do with Technomage’s grandparents, who managed to survive and emigrate from the Soviet Union, and it offers some good advice about handling what we’re experiencing in the West today. One idea that comes up is that of sharing our favorite ways to “get around” the system, which is exactly how people got by in the Soviet Union. Maybe I was struck by all this because my own grandparents’ story was somewhat similar, and because I had the chance to spend a few months in the Soviet Union in its dying days, not long before it collapsed.

That is all to say I’d like to promote the idea of sharing practical hints, tips, and workarounds for navigating the nonsense of current times. So here’s one from me, for those who chafe at mandatory muzzles (a.k.a. nosebags, face nappies, and postmodern health talismans): Always check for exceptions. For example, a casino in my area requires masks “except when actively engaged in eating, drinking, or smoking.” Hmm… three workarounds, particularly effective when done slowly and continually. You can even alternate between two or more. Also, it can help to go to any muzzle-required destination at a time of day/night when it’s not crowded, if it’s also a time when employees are less likely than usual to be paying attention.

I hope mundane suggestions such as these are of some value—it’s where my mind goes and what I have to give. Others here are more qualified than I to weigh in with suggestions on philosophical, spiritual, and non-material tools for navigating our times. I encourage everyone to keep contributing suggestions on better handling the various aspects of life today. We need all the help we can get.

[NB: I had to delete the original post. By the time I got back to it, the option to edit was gone.]