√ Waving at the Virus
A simple act that eliminates fear, makes people happy, and expresses kinship, togetherness, and most of all, an interpersonal connection that we need to maintain our sanity during this time of difficulty.
It all started with a man waving.
About twenty years ago, there was a man who used to come up the street near my office. I could always see him outside of my window. He wore the same outfit: black pants, white shirt, black shoes.
And as he came up the sidewalk, I would see him wave at the oncoming traffic. This happened morning after morning. I will get into my office around 7:30am, and I would see this man take his position, walking up the sidewalk, facing traffic, waving at the throng of morning commuters.
Each driver waved back.
Every person returned the salutation. For 30 minutes I would watch this parade of mutual waving. And it all started with this man with the shock of white hair, black pants, and cleanly pressed white shirt.
Fast forward to this morning.
I had a client come in who did not want to stay in the office for obvious virus-related reasons. Although I was observing the 6ft distance protocol, he preferred that we take a walk around the block while we were talking. Since there wasn't anybody on the street, he didn't care to share his feelings with me; amidst the traffic, no one could hear our conversation.
I pictured my white haired friend.
Without hesitation, I stuck my right arm over my head, and began to wave. My client paused for a second, which was understandable. He’s coming for an appointment and I’m standing on the corner waving to strangers.
So, I looked at him and said, “Hold on. I have to do this for a minute. Want to join me?” He paused, and said, “Yeah, what the hell?” and the two of us started waving together to those folks driving on the road. Oncoming traffic, people looking straight ahead, heading to the store or complying with whatever demands their employment requires of them.
I stood on the corner, and waved.
The trickle of automobiles passing caught my eye, and for the few moments my client and I stood, coffee cups in hand, facing the traffic, every driver returned our gesture. Each person behind the wheel of the car waved back and almost every one of them smiled in return.
“In the context of friendship, everything is possible.” - Unknown
We aren't out on the streets much. I only saw one couple walking their dog. Their heads were down as I passed them on the other side of the street. They made no eye contact in spite of our efforts to share our expressions with them. People are scared. I get it.
One wave can make a difference.
These are the expressions of kinship, of togetherness, and most of all interpersonal connection that we need to maintain our sanity throughout this time of difficulty.
A Note From My Heart
A simple gesture . . .
Just stretch a little outside of yourself. Make a gesture of friendship: Wave to people.
Reason: It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together.
This is what helps kill the negative effects that the virus has had on us all.
. . . will put us back on the right path.
Back on the right path to each other again!