There is an old saying that we are our own worst enemies. During this global pandemic it becomes easier to see. We quibble about masks, and break quarantine as if our actions should not affect the lives of others. In the US people act like being asked to wear a mask as part of a community safeguard is unconstitutional, or worse, just unAmerican.

Hygiene is a concept that comes to us from Ancient Greece. There are times in Western culture that it hs gotten lost. These abscences have resulted in things like the extensive spread of childbed fever, and the prolonged experience of the plague.We get this word from the name of Greek Goddess Hygeia. She embodies living well, which is not synonmous to excess, but is about vitality, having a strong life force, and at its central concept, eternity. We do not want to get wrapped up in false perfections of idealized forms, but we do need a sound healthy body. The art of health is a practice we can freely take on. This is an individual responsibility, but it has broad community affects. Right now, as imperfect as the technology may be, it is most polite to use masks and gloves when out and about. We then protect one another from what ever we may have lurking in our bodies, and we can take the mask and gloves off at our own door, thus leaving forgein microbes outside. And hand washing withsoap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is a time tested effective technique.

Taking care of yourself takes care of those who matter to you. "Keep ypur body clean. People who do not bathe or wash their hands regularly can carry germs. They put you at risk.", L. Ron Hubbard. www.thewaytohappiness.org @waytohappinesstampa