Mask wearing as a spiritual practice?
Reposted from Patheos.com
I’m not sure I agree with the title above, but I do find Cara Meredith’s post helpful and challenging in pointing out that wearing a mask is an act of generosity and even hospitality. Here is an excerpt:
“Wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic may be many things indeed. But for me, it’s also a spiritual practice.
The kind of masks most of us wear won’t protect us from others as much as they will protect others from us. Reflecting on this point, I’ve come to see mask-wearing as an act of generosity, a gift I can give other people, a way I can show my care for them even if I don’t know them and never will.
Masking is a practice of compassion, the literal embodiment of my desire that I not be the cause of someone else becoming sick. Wearing a mask is even a small gesture of hospitality, letting others know that I welcome their presence and wish to offer them a safe space.
The mild discomfort of being masked deepens my sense that I’m offering a kind of gift. I don’t believe that spirituality is about how much we can suffer, and most of my spiritual life is bound up with joy. That said, there’s something open-hearted about being willing to be a bit uncomfortable to support others’ well-being.”
You can read the whole post here: