Lockdown in Italy, 17 March 2020

Originally posted on my Facebook page on 17 March

I heard my little fear voice say "Take two". But as I held the boxes of tissues in my hands and paused, I heard the part of my mind that tells the truth say "You only need one. There will be enough when you come next time." 

We are blessed to be spending this lockdown in Italy. The steady and calm nature of the community in Alba is incredibly reassuring. Every visit to the shops provides just a little more evidence that there is no need to panic. 

But I know the voice of fear will never be completely silent. It only wants to protect me. It scans for danger, it latches onto scary stories and it draws the worst conclusions. I know why people fall for the trap of panic-buying. The chorus of fear voices all raised together drowns out the truth. I wish I could bring the reassuring reality of where I am now to your doors so that we could quieten fear together. The only remedy I can offer is to be present. It is only then that fear falls silent. It is only then that it realises everything will be ok.

Italy suffered none of the panic-buying seen in other countries, probably because there was no time to panic before the lockdown restrictions were in place.