Together Apart-(E)

For me this mobility and the dynamicity implied in the term can be the core aspects of a new lifestyle, which would translate into getting more walks in parks, marinas and pedestrian-friendly spaces, whereby people can not only exercise but also socialize with one another (after keeping the necessary physical distancing, at least till these restrictions are lifted). Instead of socializing over coffee or drinks, people can now combine healthy mild exercise with taking care of their social life in a fun and original way. At the same time, job-related meetings could also take the form of peripatetic activities. Instead of being stuck in a meeting room or in front of a computer screen, people can be encouraged to meet up in small groups, where distancing can be kept, and have their meeting while walking in a beautiful natural space. It is a well-known fact that being closer to nature can inspire, calm and make people more productive. It is not accidental that the Japanese habit of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a vital aspect of the healthy lifestyle adopted by Japanese, which results in high rates of longevity. We always need to keep in mind, though, that as Swedes say “Lagom är bäst”, namely “The right amount is best.” This idea echoes the ancient Greek “ παν μέτρον άριστον” idea, namely, “Everything in moderation.” Significant amounts of money and resources should be invested in the creation of much-needed green spaces, where these peripatetic activities can take place. If created properly and with sustainability in mind, these spaces will benefit not only a country’s ecosystembut also the well-being of its people. Finally, as a teacher I feel that being able to walk with our classes instead of staying confined in a classroom is beneficial to our physical health, because it will help us reduce sedentary life and avoid the potential inhaling of germs associated with COVID-19 and any other virus, regardless of how fatal they may be. More importantly, it will benefit our mental health, which has been severely influenced all these years by the relentless hunt for consumerism and our obsession with “productivity” in everything we do. This poisonous competitiveness has resulted in us ignoring the very value of life: that of our ecosystem, our “common” house, consisting of plants, animals and people. Pollution, climate change and the destruction of the remaining natural spaces have brought the world to a critical juncture. These in conjunction with COVID-19 should sound an alarm and should make us reflect on what

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