COVID in the Land of Oz: "If I only had a …"

        If only we could tap our heels three times and this whole thing would go away, if we could harken back to a more genial time, unencumbered by viruses and injustices. But clearly, "we are not in Kansas any more Toto". So what, from whom, and where do we seek the powers to overcome our present circumstances?

       "I'm off to see the Wizard". The scenes, plot, and themes of Oz offer us parallels as well as compelling messages from which we might draw inspiration and hope for a better future. But first a noteworthy twist (or twister!): while Dorothy seeks to find her way home to Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, and others, we have all become restless at home after such an extended time in place (though most I have spoken with the past four months now have actually continued to interact more favorably with their families than many in the media would have predicted).

       "If I only had a..." A group exercise I enjoy is having those present spontaneously complete the sentence: "If I only had more..." Along with some humorous items, three invariably include time, money, and energy (no particular order). Three finite resources that, depending on one's station in life, you find in either sufficient or short supply. While many times beyond our control, good stewardship of these valued resources allows us to live life 'abundantly'. In contrast, we (us lions, scarecrows, and tin people) are reminded by the "Great and Powerful Oz" (exposed by the diminutive Toto to actually be a carny who only accepted the role of Wizard due to hard times) have already inherited many of the gifts we seek ("use the force, Luke"). But are we 'squandering our inheritance' by either not realizing their manifestations within us and/or not fully engaging them? Especially now, in hard times as we seek to return to a more genial time and place.

       I now invite you to participate in yet another group exercise right here, right now, by answering the following questions in quick order (no fair using Google):

       What are the gifts you are seeking you already have but may be underutilizing?

       Where is the Land of Oz you seek?

       How might you participate in helping us all get forward to a better time and place?

We can do this together (BTW throwing bleach in an attempt to shrink the wicked witch probably won't work out  well, whereas wearing a mask might veil you from her awareness until such a time we find better 'shrink wrap').