After a week of gloomy skies and rain where I am staying in Southern California, last Tuesday the sun reappeared bringing balmy spring weather. I took a walk around the block with my family and my mask (now required here). It was glorious weather; the air had never seemed so fresh and the San Gabriel mountain loomed with crisp sharpness. In fact I marveled at how clearly I could see the mountain trees from the empty corner parking lot where I stood. My thought was that the rain must have dispersed the gray mists that often shroud the mountains, but my daughter reminded me that what we were seeing was the atmospheric effect of lockdown. Around the world there has been been reports of similar refreshed landscapes as well as the re-emergence of forgotten sounds--and animals-- as both air and noise pollution have plummeted, while city after city has gone on lockdown and ground and air traffic have nearly stopped.
There seems to be a reciprocal dance between the Pandemic crisis and our rapidly changing environment. Research and debate of global environmental changes in recent decades have raised concern that modern ecological changes have and will continue to increase the spread of diseases, contributing to pandemics. The changes that have altered animal habitats and animal/human interaction are of particular concern. On the other hand, we suddenly and unexpectedly see this magical phenomena in different locations--improved air quality, return of natural sound, and wild animals exploring city streets--nature re-asserting itself. The long term significance of the positive environmental effects of rapid lockdowns and quarantines in 2020 will continue to be documented, researched and debated for years to come. The clean air and bird songs may disappear quickly when lockdowns have past. Yet right now, the Pandemic is giving powerful feedback on the possibility of real environmental recovery and a glimpse of what that recovery may require on a personal and collective level. The interweavings of nature are complex (and human beings, contrary to what we may think are an aspect of nature, not separate entities). The story is far from complete.
On the eve of Earth Day 2020, it seems ripe for spiritual, meditative reflection.(Susan Nettleton)