Adapting to the New Normal

I stumbled across an interesting op-ed article on CNN.com the other day about alternate greetings to be used in this new era of infection prevention. There’s nothing like rules forbidding people from touching to make one aware of just how much touching actually goes on in normal, everyday life. Handshakes are particularly bad.

The CNN article referenced a brief report published six years ago in the American Journal of Infection Control, as the source to backup this statement:

Research shows that a single handshake can transfer 124 million bacteria on average, so it is quite likely a perfect way to share viruses as well.

As I read the article, I couldn’t help but think of an upcoming visit I had scheduled with my counselor, Bob, later in the day. I like Bob. He’s a warm, friendly, affable guy. As recently as last week, I shook his hand in greeting and when saying goodbye.

But our world is changing rapidly, and we all need to adapt to survive. It was an interesting read. If you, like me, weren’t even sure what Namaste means, you can read the linked articles. Or you can watch the fun videos I found to share.

This one, from FluffyFriends, is my favorite, but only because it’s funny. In my opinion. And we all know how important humor can be.

This one, is more informative.

Until relatively recently, I thought Namaste was just a trendy, New Agey kind of Hipster word I’d never use. But now that Hubby and I have started doing yoga, I have become more accustomed to hearing the word. Also, since I have learned so much about spirituality, consciousness, and soul energy over the past year, I understand  the power of Namaste.

It may not be the Indian equivalent of saying “hello,” but we are not in India. It certainly felt safer than a handshake.

Stay safe, people. Keep your distance. Don’t shake hands. Use “namaste” instead. Or, if that feels silly, just wave.