Connections

It's far too early to start making claims that something good might come out of the dreadful situation most of the world now finds itself in, especially when so many are dealing with horrendous levels of anxiety regarding their personal situations and those of their loved ones. But it's heartening to see a generally heightened awareness of just how vital some seemingly mundane jobs really are for the well-being of us all. One obvious example: where would we be without the ancillary staff in hospitals - the cleaners and porters and the like who keep it all going? And are somehow continuing to do so when it could so easily fall apart - as we now realise. After this crisis - assuming there is an after - this will be something to remember.

As will those connections that go beyond the human, in an understanding that we are a part of systems and processes linking and intertwining all living things. Microbes included. And how we behave will necessarily impact the whole, for good or ill - including our own good or ill.

It's all so obvious isn't it? Perhaps that's why we don't see it.