One aspect of this global lockdown that I have appreciated is the time that I now have to run. I still find that my days are full with work, but both for the physical activity as well as the mental break, my running has become an essential aspect of my survival. Of course, I recognize how lucky I am to live in a part of the world where this is a possibility. Living in the middle of nowhere has never been such a blessing.

Before the time of quarantine, I had been running with my friend Lisa. Our runs involved 45min-2 hours straight of talking. It was a beautiful thing and we never listened to music while we ran. Since we don’t want to get each other sick we have not run together in a while. I have gone back to listening to my podcasts or songs. It helps me to not miss her and our time together as much. 

The other day I was out running and each of the songs I heard on my random mix seemed to be the universe or God talking to me. The first was Bob Marley’s – Everything’s Gonna Be Alright. 

This upbeat and reassuring tune made me smile. But it also broke my heart a bit for those who have lost family and friends already. For them, a future that will be alright must be that much harder to imagine.

The next song that popped up was The Specials – Free Nelson Mandela.

Immediately the complaints I or any of my family and friends have about quarantine were laughable and almost embarrassing. It also made me want to make sure that all students take the time to get to know the story of this great man. Many do not. 

The next song that moved me was Anjo the Guarda (Guardian Angel) by the Tribalistas.