So you are now interested in face-masks.  When did that happen? Last year? Two months ago? Last week?

It might be important to stop and think about the reasons behind your new interest.  Just because there might be a whole range of answers out there and hidden in them, the opportunity to grow.

“I am told to wear one.”

Following rules in times of crisis – even if we disagree or do not fully understand them – might be the intelligent thing to do.  Following rules is the only point that sets us apart from groups which implode because of incompetent leadership, lack of vision, self-interest or attack politics.  Maybe now is a time where unity should trump doubt?

“I am worried I will catch that virus.”

Fair enough, you might.  If you are worried about catching that particular virus, you should know that wearing a handmade cloth mask is not going to protect you at an individual level.  For that, you would need to wear a specific type of mask and apply strict hygiene measures.  N95/99 masks are for health professionals and construction workers.  They are sold out anyway.

“I can make money selling masks.”

You sure can. And many people do.  “In a goldrush, if you want to be rich, don’t dig gold, sell spades.”  The industry calls it market response but you can think of it as pandemic profiteering according to how you look at it.  Nothing new there, but definitely an inner conversation to have with your conscience.

“I think we should all wear one.”

“Mass masking”  is when a good percentage of the population wears masks.  If done together with hands-washing, physical distancing and other hygiene precautions it is an act of social solidarity.  Reacting as a group can help species to survive and adapt.

” I want to feel prepared”

Did the first experience of lockdown teach us anything? It should have: Be Prepared.

Making masks is a way to brush up or discover forgotten skills like sewing.  For the past decades we bathed in a comfortable illusion: we want something, we simply have to find the money for it.  So what happens when we don’t have the money anymore?  Or more puzzling, what happens when we have the money, but what we want isn’t available anymore.  Be prepared: you might have to make it.  From scratch.

What if the next pandemic is a lot worse than the Covid19 pandemic? What if the next virus around is a lot more contagious? What if it kills 20% of people of all ages?  Will you wait for the next sewing workshop to make your masks or will you take the lessons from Covid and make them now?

“I want to protect loved ones.”

Love is one of the main reason why we do what we do.  It is what guides us when we navigate stormy waters with children in trail.  It is what pushes us to step in to shield a loved one.  Being out of control, not being able to provide protection can be a very frightening reality to face. 

And maybe, just maybe, that thin bit of cloth could screen us from chaos.  When we are caught in the midst of forces well beyond us, a small cloth offering is a powerful display of care.

“I can inspire others.” 

Being able to inspire others certainly creates a warm feeling inside. When you donate masks, you have an impact on other people.  When you refuse to wear a mask, you have an impact on other people. One way or the other, it is a public statement that becomes part of your identity, a sure way to win (or lose) charisma.

What we know is that charitable giving is contagious and makes us healthier.

There is grace in contribution.