Friday, June 11, 2021 the New York Times reported on Dan
O’Conor who during the Covid-19 Pandemic jumped into Lake Michigan nearly every
day for a year. He did it as a release and escape from the uncertainty and strain
of the pandemic. People discovered what he was doing through social media where
he would post videos of his jumps, and they found it relaxing and inspiring to
watch him.
“In times of great stress like the pandemic, rituals can take on a heightened importance. In March 2020, New Yorkers leaned out of apartment windows, clapping for health care workers each night at 7 p.m. sharp. Other people, jittery at home, baked bread daily, scheduled a Zoom call with their families every Sunday, or went for a walk at the same time each evening.
The daily jump was slowly becoming Mr. O’Conor’s own way through the pandemic.” (Julie Bosman, NYT reporter)
In the winter when ice formed on the lake, he brought a shovel to break a hole for himself. Other people started joining in on the ritual in-person, showing up at the spot at 10:30 am to watch. Sometimes musicians would join him and play some musical accompaniment while he jumped.
No comments:
Post a Comment