Survival at any cost, or Freedom at any cost?

Recently I went to my local beach for a refreshing walk in the cool, salty air. In the beach locale I noticed a number of high-vis clad council workers walking around with large spray bottles and cloths, spraying a liquid onto a variety of outside structures, including benches, handrails, street signs, the framework of bridges, etc. They continued doing the same into the surrounding streets.

 Even though it was a rainy, windy day that (presumed) disinfectant was being sprayed on the structures anyway. Outside. In the rain. I wondered why they didn’t also spray the trees, grass and sand, as you just do not know where those viruses might be hiding and waiting to pounce. Oh, and the air itself as we know that airborne droplets can harbour the virus.

 I do not mean to be disrespectful to those organisations that might be doing their best with what they know (or have been told to do) and nothing against the workers themselves as I understand they were just doing their jobs. But really! I think my jaw must have dropped as I pinched myself to see if this incredulous scene was actually real. No one else seemed to notice the absurdity of it - or care.

 Equally unbelievable to me is the closing of beaches and national parks and fining people for being in remote wild places.  We know that the beach is such as unhealthy environment and promotes spread of the virus due to its fresh air, sunshine, salt water, negative ions and being a place to have stress relieving fun. No wild places allowed but hardware stores and liquor stores are okay. Thankfully, some of these restrictions are now being eased.

However, though some restrictions are being eased, we are still being subject to social distancing within the restaurants and clubs that are being opened and we are required to sign in and out of the establishments (for possible contact tracing) and be under the surveillance of ‘Covid Safe marshalls’ while within them. Sounds like a fun, carefree outing to me! Why these disproportionate measures, especially in Australia where the numbers are relatively very small?

 Our not noticing what is unusual and sometimes truly bizarre is deeply concerning to me. Like the frog that does not notice the slowly heating water until it is boiling and too late, our apathy and non-questioning acceptance of certain dictates and procedures (regardless of our particular views) will have that slipknot on our personal insights, opinions and freedoms gradually tighten.

 Notice the bizarre! And it’s okay to be reactive at times as there is a lot to be reactive about – though, of course, it is better to calmly respond. I hear people waxing lyrically about ‘love and light’ and how beneficial this whole process will be for humanity’s evolution (and I do believe that there is the potential for great outcomes from this difficult situation) but sometimes we need to acknowledge what is truly disturbing or just plain nuts. In fact, I would say that it is our responsibility to do so.

 Taking the middle ground, observing from the sidelines and choosing to not do further research into this situation works for some; and of course being calm and rational is the best approach. But let’s not mistake unquestioning complacency, and fear of putting your neck out, for civilised rationality.

 At the same beach I lined up outside the take-away coffee caravan. There was the appropriate ‘social distancing’ as we lined up, we could not pay with cash and the card machine was covered with plastic. Then the baristas unthinkingly put their bare hands all over the disposable coffee cups and their lids (no re-use cups allowed) as they were dispensing them to the customers.

 Personally I was not concerned about this, as I want my immune system to be honed by its contact with a variety of microbes - as nature designed it to be; however, one has to aware of the inconsistencies and hypocrisies. (I am all for the take-away coffee stores staying as they are by the way – please don’t also take that away from us!)

 This brings me to my point – we just cannot disinfect, separate and isolate the whole world indefinitely, try as we might. Though reasonable, practical measures to protect are indeed advisable, no amount of soap, disinfectant, gloves and Perspex are going to completely eliminate potential contact with a pervading virus. Not if we want to eat and drink, have some human contact and live a semblance of a normal life. We cannot avoid some risk, as life just does not work that way.

To be quite frank, if I had to live a life of severe fear-based restriction, constriction and control I just do not think the trade off would be worth it. To me, that would be a living death. I personally question the life at any cost concept; however, I appreciate that most people don’t.

 By attempting to ‘mitigate the spread’ of the virus by marked social isolation we open ourselves to the risk of further waves of spread as we ease restrictions and then a possible rebound doubling up of restrictions. Hopefully this does not eventuate. Of course if it does, the finger will be pointed at those who questioned the sanctions, rather than questioning the sanctions in the first place.

 Without denying the virus related deaths and suffering that have occurred (and we will never know what that true number is), we know that the fall-out from trying to prevent the spread of the virus, particularly related to the imposed ‘social isolation’, is considerable and possibly much greater than the loss from the actual virus (which is very questionable itself).

 We are already aware of many businesses going under; widespread unemployment; increased polarity in the distribution of wealth (i.e. increased poverty for many); increased domestic violence and rising mental health issues. Social isolation is just not sustainable in the long term as it goes against our very nature.

 I also acknowledge that ‘social isolation’, in the short term, can bring about benefits such as people leading less frenetic lifestyles, spending more time with family at home, enhanced appreciation of nature, learning to enjoy the simple things in life and gaining a much greater appreciation of the freedoms that were previously taken for granted.

 It also gives us time for reflection to help us become aware of areas of our lives that are begging to be changed. In fact, ‘protection’ from the virus is more likely to be due to the lessening of stress (for some) than the actual physical barrier to its spread.

 Testing everyone for the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now being touted, to follow suit from China’s example. The suggestion is that asymptomatic carriers, some of whom might carry the virus for some months, be isolated for a longer period of time. What exactly does that mean? Just how long is a ‘longer period of time’? Months?

 We know that the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test is far from 100% accurate and, as with any test, there are false positive and false negative results. We also know that the lower the prevalence of an infection in a population (and it is low in Australia), the lower the positive predictive value of the test.

 Can I suggest that the proponents of mass testing and isolation of positive cases for a ‘longer period of time’ be the first to line up and be tested?

 We on a daily basis hear newsreaders lament the detection of new ‘cases’. I am not sure if they actually mean new positive SARS-CoV-2 test results or actual COVID-19 cases – which is a clinical diagnosis backed by test results – and whether these cases are actually very unwell or have mild symptoms or are even asymptomatic. Because of the dramatic, alarming tone of the reporting, people often assume that ‘cases’ mean critically unwell people, which might be very far from the truth.

 We actually want more mild or asymptomatic cases, as they are our best chance of developing herd immunity. Why do we not hear this?

The shutting down of schools, or isolating of students, because of a few detected cases makes absolutely no sense to me, particularly as we know that children, generally, are very little affected by this virus. We have never used this approach before. We have never shut down schools during an influenza epidemic because of a few positive cases.

 As for contact tracing, why did we never think of this for influenza epidemics, which we know cause significant morbidity and mortality every year? There will always be new viruses, epidemics and even pandemics on the horizon. Just how much tracing are we going to do? Are we going to have cycles of social isolate forever?

 Treating citizens, who might test positive on an imperfect test, as guilty, dangerous entities who need to be barred from normal society is very questionable and plainly inhumane.

 The recent case of a man not being ‘allowed’ to see his dying mother because of his enforced 14 days quarantine in Brisbane, after his arrival in Australia from overseas, demonstrates how we have sacrificed normal human compassion at the alter of rigid, draconian fear-based rules and regulations. Despite having good isolation accommodation arranged for when he was away from the quarantine hotel (= prison) and testing negative for the SARS-CoV-2 test, he was still not permitted to leave quarantine to see his mother. It was predicted that she might not survive longer than his period of quarantine. Unconscionable!

 However, I do appreciate that most people and authorities are doing their best with what they know and what they have been ordered to do; and I certainly do not envy the policy makers. There is just not a perfect solution that will suit everyone in this current global situation.

 I am all for common sense measures to help mitigate the spread of any infection. I am normally an avid hand-washer. I like a clean, orderly environment and am particular about preventing possible cross contamination of bacteria in the kitchen. I like to wash my hands before eating regardless of whether there is a pandemic or not. Being a medical doctor, I have always been VERY particular about cleanliness and taking appropriate aseptic measures in the clinical environment.

 I uphold appropriate measures to help guard against getting infected with a virus or any pathogen. If someone is unwell of course it is advised that they stay confined to their own homes until recovered (that should always have been the case though it has not been our societal norm to do so) and it is certainly advisable to socially distance ourselves from those who are knowingly infected or unwell.  We should also protect the vulnerable as best we can, though this will never be perfect.

 However, in my personal life, though taking reasonable, appropriate measures to protect others, and myself, I will not cross that line into what I consider the ridiculous. 

 I think it is fine to wear a mask if you are sick, particularly if coughing and spluttering and cannot avoid some contact with people. But, I question the wearing of masks by well people, unless they are knowingly in contact with infected people or in certain clinical settings.  However, I wonder if face-masks are actually effective and if the enclosed, humid environment and relative oxygen deprivation they create causes more harm than good regarding protection from the virus. Have you ever tried running on a hot day while wearing one of those things?

 Show me the scientific proof that face-masks actually prevent spread of the virus. If there are conclusive studies, I stand corrected. But even then I might choose not to wear one in favour of trusting my own immune system. Others can wear them if they choose.

 According to a popular medical news journal, a well-known doctor is calling for ‘mass masking’ (i.e. everyone to wear a mask) to stop SARS-CoV-2 spread. For how long? What mass image is this going to create?

 Those who understand the mind-body connection will appreciate that what influences the subconscious mind can have a powerful effect on our health and wellbeing. The subconscious mind is very impressed by imagery (especially in children) and this has a potent effect on our physical and psychological health. The body takes orders from the subconscious mind and will react in like.

 Notice how the wearing of face-masks affects your wellbeing and that of those around you. If you feel safe, protected and uplifted when wearing them then probably they are working to your advantage, at least psychologically. But for many of us, we do not like the symbolism of face-masks as they represent aspects such as: un-wellness; fear; constriction; not being able to trust our own bodies and immune systems; loss of our freedom of speech; not allowing normal human communication such as smiling, and so on.

 The same goes for ‘keeping 1.5 m apart’ (do you think that the viruses get out the tape measure?) and those Perspex divider things– the image portrayed is that other people are dangerous and thus we need to avoid close human contact at all costs.

 Dubious though the benefits might be, I do respect any individual’s right to choose whatever protective measures they feel is best for him or herself - including wearing a mask whenever, wherever and for long as they choose. I also respect an individual’s right not to.

 I will not respond to emotive Facebook posts citing the number of deaths from COVID-19 (not the vastly greater numbers of recoveries interestingly) implying that those of us who do not habitually wear face-masks are irresponsible citizens. The unwritten accusation is that we are contributing to, if not causing, others’ deaths if we ‘do not do the right thing’. I just do not at all believe that life and health work that way, as I understand that anyone’s susceptibility to an infection is much broader and more complex than just coming into contact with the pathogen.

 As a medical doctor, I have for many years had innumerable patients present to me with all sorts of infections and very rarely, if ever, have I felt that I have picked up an infection from my work environment. Traditionally doctors were not fearful of catching any pathogen from their patients, as we knew that our immune systems became robust because of the many exposures. Hiding behind Telehealth is a very new phenomenon in the medical world.

 I know I will get infected and unwell from a virus, or other pathogen, particularly if I am experiencing a certain level and type of stress – as I have done in the past. If I do not have that susceptibility I will not get the infection no matter how much contact I have with a particular virus. Why do you think there are asymptomatic cases? Even if I have a vaccine against a certain virus, I know will get an infection from a different pathogen if I have a certain level of susceptibility to becoming unwell.  There are many factors that contribute to that susceptibility.

 It is not just our physical immune system that we need to work on. It is also our mental, emotional and spiritual immune systems. Maybe more so! Good holistic health care is working on all of these levels. Just addressing the physical factors alone will go so far, despite this being the main focus of allopathic medicine.

 People can be very affronted by anyone who questions the popular narrative regarding how to protect against the virus and the ‘race for a vaccine’.  They are often outraged and enraged as they feel their very survival, and the survival of their loved ones, is being threatened by any hint of debate. Underlying this outrage, and even dismissive ridicule of those who have an opinion different to their own, is often great fear. Unbridled survival fears can have one respond with righteous anger that is directed at those who dare to look beyond the consensus reality.

 Those who react so vehemently do not want to know that everything has pros and cons, potential beneficial outcomes and risks, that the authorities do not always have the best answers or best interests of the populace at heart, that political correctness might be related to wanting to get the next vote or next pay check and that there might be much broader issues at play than the actual ‘virus’. To even discuss this is anathema to them as they feel that their chances of surviving this pandemic are being challenged. Don’t shoot the messenger!

 The underlying fear in those who suggest severe and basically unrealistic measures, in an attempt to protect from the virus, is often related to a denial and non-acceptance of our mortality. Bottom line. This fear of death, which we all have as a normal primal fear, when extreme and un-integrated, is often projected as anger, rage and mockery at those who question some of the official recommendations and sanctions.

 This virus did not create death; it has always been here but we have just been very good at denying the reality of our mortality until we have been forced to face it. It is best to acknowledge and sit with our very normal fear of death, as integration of this fear will bring about less unconscious reactivity. When we suppress and do not acknowledge our fears we are unconsciously controlled by them. Paradoxically, when we loosen our fear of death, we more fully embrace life.

 Some fear is okay, expected under the circumstances and very human; and, trust me, much higher on the emotional life energy scale than apathy or despair. This whole global situation presents us with a great opportunity to integrate our fear and related emotions and this is much healthier for the individual and the collective than suppressing, repressing or projecting them.

 Though a powerful motivator in the short term, prolonged, marked fear is not consistent with ongoing health and wellbeing. It cannot be as the energies are disparate. And we know that sustained fear impairs our immune systems and potentially brings about more of what we are trying to avoid.

 My biggest fear is being controlled and having my freedoms and basic human rights taken away from me; and this is where I become triggered and reactive. I have had to sit with this. Freedom is actually my highest value and when we really examine what our values are we will know what to stand for rather than what to fight against.

 No one can dictate our personal values or control what goes on in the confines of our own minds, though they might desperately try.

 Everyone will be reacting to this situation in different ways that others might never understand. Our reactions and triggers are related to our beliefs, including what we are programmed to believe, the priority of our values and all our life experiences to date. Our fears, though appearing different on the surface, all boil down to the same ego fear of ‘not surviving’.

 Our current emotions give us a great opportunity to resolve any similar, unresolved emotions from our past that are being triggered by the current situation. When we integrate our fears and related emotions we are also integrating millennia of similar emotions that humanity has endured throughout the ages. We are in this together, regardless of whether we like this or not and regardless of any opposing views and the particular flavour of our emotions.

 Even though what we are experiencing with this pandemic is unprecedented in most of our lives, we easily forget that throughout the ages, humanity has endured (and still does!) a huge variety of crises and challenges. The issues that we are currently facing have all been experienced before and often in much more intense, though less global, ways. We are just getting a tiny taste of what so many have suffered.

 Extreme measures are also related to our believing that anything that can get us is ‘out there’, separate from ourselves. I believe that what is ‘out there’ is a reflection of my own consciousness at some level and this is the real area for me to work on. ‘As within, so without’. This, of course, is not at the exclusion of appropriate physical measures, though I know that physical measures alone will only go so far if the deeper work is not done.

 Extreme protective measures are our attempts to desperately control life and death and many of us believe that we can do so by physical means such as controlling our external environment, trying to block contact with the virus, mass vaccinations and so on. Though it is advisable, of course, to minimise risks, we cannot fully control all our physical circumstances and there is no avoiding some risk.

 ‘Better to wear shoes than cover the world with leather.’ We just cannot completely control the external world. Our main work is to control our inner world. This is what self-mastery is all about.

 We humans are very impressionable, programmable and controllable (as has been demonstrated by this pandemic) and no more than when we are gripped by our survival fears. The territory of our basic survival fears is where people will very quickly hand over the authority of their own lives and freedoms to external ‘authorities’, who they believe will save them. We become like obedient children if we are promised safety and security – illusion though it is.

We need to ask ourselves – ‘what are we willing to trade for our security and promises of physical safety?’ – for that is the point at which we are utterly controllable. Not an easy question, I know.

 We have been programmed to believe that the saviour is something external to ourselves and this is why we put so much faith in leaders, politicians, the medical profession and any relevant authority voice or group. People regress to a child-like state when in great fear and will bow down to what they consider the most authoritative voice in the belief that they will save them. Others can certainly advise and guide us, but we need to recognise that our true authority is within. Time we grew up.

 We have been well and truly trained to lean on the external authority and not trust the wisdom of our own inner voice. It is time we exercised our personal sovereignty. This is a call to raise our frequency. Not to completely discount the advice of external agencies but to recognise that no one is coming to rescue us. We need to make our final conclusions and decisions ourselves.

 Many individuals and groups will not come out and discuss what they really believe because of the fear of losing their pay packet, their status, their reputation or the distaste of being associated with what some might consider the lunatic fringe. Unfortunately in the mass media, sycophantic righteousness and platitudes, rather than intelligent debate and controversy, seem to get the kudos. ‘Just do the right thing!’ 

 It appears that any medical or scientific voice that challenges the party line is either ridiculed, discredited, banned or all three. Freedom of speech seems to be long gone, as is our right to have an opinion.

 Through adverse human experiences we have the capacity to forge a better way and bring to the forefront qualities such as resilience, stamina, courage, fortitude, empathy and compassion – as our forebears have demonstrated.  With this pandemic, however, we seem to have forgotten resilience in favour of fear, restriction, constriction, risk aversion, apathy and complacency.

 Crises serve an enormous function – to shake up aspects of our selves and our lives that do not serve others, the planet or ourselves well.  They happen when we do not heed previous indications and warnings. They force change.

 The only way we are going to get through this situation, in energy speak - is to raise our vibration, our energy frequency, so that we can positively transform what has not worked for us, individually and collectively, in the past. For some of us this might also include taking a more active role in calling out the deceptions and hypocrisies that are being revealed. We all know that, on many levels, change is inevitable and change is needed.

 This does take some reflection, inner work and many will choose not do this because of lack of know-how, lack of capacity or, more so, lack of interest. Many will prefer to seek that illusory external magic bullet to take it all away.

Survival at any cost, or freedom at any cost? We all have the right to choose - for ourselves, but not for others.

I will brace for the backlash!

Dr Catherine Fyans is a holistic medical practitioner/conscious health facilitator and the author of The Wounding of Health Care: From Fragmentation to Integration