Spring is a State of Mind

Good evening all,

Well what a changed world it is today!  

As you're probably aware we cancelled this concert yesterday evening out of concern that we didn't want it to contribute to the spread of the virus.  The audio tours are also cancelled.  And this morning, the government took the necessary lock down step.  This gives us the vital chance to curtail our social interactions and spread of the virus and come to grips with the cases we already have and are presently incubating and will emerge in the next 2 weeks.

Something I used to say at the sign off of this e mail was, to take care of yourselves and each other.   And isn't it something !  That is the antidote to this epidemic!  We are all connected and how we treat ourselves, each other and nature has a ripple effect.  That to me is what this virus is trying to teach us.  It's also drawing our attention to really care for the vulnerable in our community and change our actions so we protect them.  I think it's also inviting us to value more deeply our medical staff, their expertise and compassion.  And, after all the pictures of panic buying today, to also think off the people who work in supermarkets - to take care that our actions do not over burden them.  We know all this, but the invitation now is, critically, to put this awareness into action.  

I was asked this year to be a judge for Sightsavers Junior Painter art competition.  I agreed hesitantly because I do not agree with "judging" children's art.  What swayed me was when I learned of Sightsaver's work.   They have made real change in impoverished communities in Africa, through education and medical support, in curbing and stopping the spread of disease.  And, again through education and care, they have improved the lives of the vulnerable people in those communities who have disabilities.  Their art completion asked children to make art around disability, inclusion and Sightsavers'  sustainable goals  - so that hooked me!  Empathy through art!  Brilliant ! Anyway, it struck me ... this is what these communities struggle with every day ..but it feels far away to us.  Now it's at our door ... and this is why it matters that us wealthier counties do what we can to curb it so we protect poorer countries who have less resources.

The Sightsavers Junior Painter prize giving was due to be March 23 but is of course now cancelled. I can tell you the  children's art was beautiful, thoughtful and so hopeful.  I quite held up the process going through it all slooowwwly and wanting to give extra prizes .... Well that too will be something to look forward to when this all passes. 

And we will recover from this absolutely, through the antidote of care for ourselves and each other and our vulnerable people.  And in the meantime, there's so much music and art and funnies online ... oh here's my interview and 2 songs you didn't hear before on Linley's show in February.  Click  here 

Warm wishes for health to you and yours and see you at next show!

Emilie x