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TE OPINION: OUR CHANGED WORLD WE STOPPED TALKING AND STARTED WALKING : PANDEMIC BROUGHT US TOGETHER TO LEARN - BUT ONLY IF WE'RE LISTENING Canada's leading think- ers reflect on how COVID-19 ty, Cana and forever altered the fu- ture. We are not the first gen- eration to endure a global JOYCE JONATHAN CRONE pandemic, nor will we be ey has proven that when faced with unfathom- able trauma, taken to un- charted waters, we navi- gate new ways to live and be. The entire world forced into the same boat but not the same vessel. At the brink, our spirits Those of us who have experienced andsurvived life-altering trauma know themind, body, emotions and spiritual connection to self and others. frayed, our minds over- whelmed, our core eroded, ity kept us afloat. With "nor- mal” stripped away, living in bubbled islands, run aground with no anchor, forced to see ourselves from. the inside out, people chose to live, inclusive or divisive. Everyday tasks became daunting and tainted with fear, anxiety and mistrust. Communit i cohesion mean having com- mon goals, shared values and acting with the com- mon good in mind. People crave contact, communica- tion and comm unity — we are built that way. With so- OUR CHANGED WORLD Canada’s leading thinkers reflect on how COVID-19 has levels, we floated without purpose and control. Social interaction is human na- ture. We need it and yearn it. wwe e stopped talking and start ine Peloton, sitting on the john, TikTok, watch the clock, bought a dog, lived in a fog. Hoarding, baking and cottage laking, time stood still. Some in canoes, learned joy and solace of quiet, self and nature. Some in speed boats, lost power and con- trol, unable to find the key, and handled the loss of life as they knew it. They pad- dled with a divisive heart. Those of us who have ex- perienced and survived life- altering trauma know the ® mind, Body, em: emotions and 8 spiritual connection to self and others. Mother Earth brought the entire planet together for us to learn if we were lis- tening. To slow down, find true priorities, discover and create and to remem- ber who we are from the in- side out. To reconnect and renew our human spirits. To realize and recalibrate our courage, strength, joy and love of self and others. Joyce Jonathan Crone is Mohawk, was born on Six Nations and is a retired teacher living in Muskoka region. NEWS BLOOD DONORS SOUGHT AS SUPPLIES LOW MANSOOR TANWEER mtanweer@metroland.com Canadian Blood Servic- es (CBS) is making an ap- peal for new and returning donors to help replenish blood, platelet and plasma supply. "Like other organiza- tions in Canada, the latest COVID19 wave is challeng- ing Canadian Blood Ser- vices like never before," Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of CBS, said in a press re- lease. "Our employees and donors are among those falling or being required to isolate. He added: “For these reasons, and also be- cause of severe weather in parts of the country, we've seen a Sonceming. drop in donations recent CBS says het the num- ber of donors has been de- clining steadily since the beginning of the pandem- ic. Those who are ineligi- ble to donate whole blood may be able to donate plas- ma. Donors are able to give plasma more frequently as red blood cells are re- turned to the body of the “hose interested can book a by calling 1-888-236-6283 or by a clinic at nn Brant St. surlingto! linics are aise held throughout the ‘ilton, Oakville and Halton Hills at various locations. CBS asks donors to ar- rive by their appointment time, as latecomers cannot e Canadian Bland ae it's in you e «90a a) Canadian Blood Services logo Canadian Blood Services is putting out a call for blood donors to help meet demand. George OPEN KITCHEN RESTAURANT Thank You for being our valued aistomer! Your support means so much t AVAILABLE FOR TAKEOUT, CURBSIDE AND DINE-IN ‘YOU'LL LOVE OUR HOMEMADE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. We make all of your favourites! c ize in making you smile! Hope to see ‘el lew hours Mon-Thurs 8-3 » Fri-Sat 8-8 » Sun 8-4 Guelph Street, Georgetown | (90 INH UONEH - dl CUL | 2 a Fy 2 a S = ey Ed 5 2 & x 8