Brunansky's Blog

“The more you explain it, the more I don’t understand it.” – Mark Twain

The other night at my brother’s house I enjoyed my birthday dinner. At one point, my sister-in-law asked how I was handling quarantine during this “Corona Virus” outbreak.  The answer was direct, unintentionally sarcastic and truthful. I simply said that since I’ve been unemployed for over 1,000 days, I didn’t really notice a change to my life style. Quarantine is just sitting around in doors, and when you’re unemployed, you’re just sitting around in doors. One is forced directly (quarantine). One is forced indirectly (Unemployment). One the Government says don’t go outside (quarantine). One your bank account says you can’t afford to go outside (unemployment). So, the two are very similar when we examine them in this way.

I understand that with this much uncertainty happening in the world people need leaders who they can rely on. They need assurance. They need guidance. They need to know that, even if it’s difficult, if it takes awhile longer, that things will eventually be ok. At times such as these, fear mongering, delivering deliberately misleading information and orchestrated chaos are the antithesis to a united path forward. The havoc that is being created by the “powers that be” indicate that we’re currently battling exceptional narcissism. In an article published back in May of 2018, it couldn’t be made any clearer when we step back and examine the whole. The fascinating aspect is how this intentional  alienation is happening on such a grand scale. What was promised to be a purification of the systems of power has been slowly denigrated. In fact, the so-called purification has morphed into what could be a new system of concentrated power that defies the very structure of the society it seeks to rule. In short, it appears that we’re enduring a disinformation campaign and the only two options we’re given both lead the wrong direction.

Enter the Corona Virus.

I’m not here to say that this isn’t a real threat. In fact, an ex-girlfriend of mine is a nurse and I’m sure if I video conferenced her she’d be happy to educate me on this particular issue. If you have a nurse or doctor in your life, I’m sure you can find out more of the details for yourself. That aside, I am willing to stand on this soapbox and point out that, again, the powers that be have found a way to continue to divide us and create disorder. Businesses are closed. Schools are closed. Don’t go to your churches or religious centers. Stay 6 feet apart. Fear is the saveur du jour. So what can we do? How do we thrive in the face of such oppression? I have a few ideas. You might find these easy or you might be challenged. It all depends on your strength of character and moral fortitude. If you’re reading this, I believe you have the strength to begin or build on what you’re already doing.

::Jeremy’s Recommendations::

It’s important to get outside. The weather isn’t as important as you’re ability to breath fresh air. If you live in a big city like I do the fresh air is probably polluted so don’t take deep breaths. But, do get out into the world. For example, here’s me and my dad playing 18 holes of golf for my birthday just the other day.

Exercise. I was going to a gym regularly but they closed temporarily. So, we’ve got home workouts and hiking. It’s important to get that heart pumping and that sweat dripping. Not only does it help your overall health but it’s a stress reliever when you’re starting to feel cabin fever.  For example, here’s my mom, her dog and I out at the lake getting a walk in, some fresh air and sunshine.

Catch up on your reading, tv shows, movies, music or podcasts. This is a passive activity that can stimulate the creative centers of your brain and soul. There’s plenty of streaming services available right now that are all producing quality content. Get caught up! If it inspires you to create, do that too! I wrote a book, and shot two short films. Get creative!

Video Chats. Texting is notorious for misrepresenting our meaning. It’s true! The reader interprets from their point of view which could be completely the opposite of your intention. Phone calls are ok too, but, we live in a time where video calls are just as simple as a phone call. And if you’re like me, you love a good smile when it’s genuine. So share your smile and enjoy the smile of whomever you’re speaking with. If you both can make each other laugh, that’s great! Laughter boosts your immune system and burns calories. It’s healthy. Enjoy some chuckles.

Talk to people… in person! If you’re reading this and thinking, “shouting at someone 6 feet away sounds obnoxious.” You’re absolutely right. That would be super obnoxious to be around. But, you can always talk with cashiers, or people you pass. Simple greetings that keep your spirit of humanity alive. Being unemployed for so long, the most talking I do was with my parents dog. So, when I would go to the gym, I very much enjoyed talking with one or two people there. Human connection. Very important. There’s studies, here’s one in fact that the BBC put out in 2014 detailing what happens over time to people who are without human contact. Get outside and say hello!

Finally, do you. I don’t necessarily mean sexually, although, if you need to crank, rub or vibrate the stress away, I’m not here to judge you. I mean, do the things that feel the most normal to your life that give you joy. All the things recommended in this blog, all the advice from people on tv, radio, youtube or podcasts are great but only if they work for you and your life. If you’re religious, pray or meditate for guidance. If you aren’t, do whatever works for you. It’s vitally important that you maintain a level of normalcy in your personal and professional life. This won’t last forever and you don’t want to walk back into the world like Robin Williams when he jumped out of Jumanji once this is all over.

I hope you find these words encouraging. It’s important that we remember that there’s a devil and an angel on our shoulders at all times saying conflicting messages in our ears. We aren’t perfect. We don’t always get things right. We will screw up. And we will eventually be victorious. This too shall pass and when it does I hope to see you standing on top of the mountain with me, smiling, because the darkness has finally been replaced with a warm light. Let’s fight this fear mongering together simply by being brave enough to go outside and smile at each other.

Why do we? Because, to quote Thor in Thor: Ragnarok, “That’s what heroes do.”

Cheers, Everyone!

-JB