Why wearing a mask can good.

It's that time of the year again. No, I don't mean Christmas or Ramzaan or any other major festival. As much as I'd like to though. It's that time of the year when Indonesia starts to burn its trees and other vegetation. And with the help of the wind the smoke spreads to some of its neighboring countries- like Singapore. I can't speak for other countries since I currently reside here, although I've heard on the grapevine that our neighbor Malaysia is in similar straits ( no pun intended). 

Fear not, I'm not about to launch into a tirade against what Indonesia deems regular practice. Besides I doubt I can best others who've already made their feelings known. Understandably, it's not an ideal situation. And personally I'm not into the ninja look- the only reason why I would don a mask is purely for self protection and self- preservation. By mask I mean a simple surgical affair, not the kind one would wear to a masquerade party. Although that would be kind of fun. 

So what good can come out of a situation like this? Especially in a country where up to 80 or even 90% of the population spends its time out of the house. The way I see it this could be a time of nurturing relationships. Since most of us are forced to be indoors, why not spend that much needed quality time with the people who matter the most to us? With those whom we love. Who knows, it could be a time of healing. Also it's been known to happen that in times of crises a country bands together. There seems to be a visible common focus, or enemy which must be prevailed against at all costs. It's heartening to see and feel; what would be even more heartening would be if this were the norm. 

On an aside, have you ever seen someone smile with their eyes? I passed by a young lady whose lower face from the nose down was covered in a mask. Even though I couldn't see her smile I knew she did. Perhaps it's because her eyes slightly crinkled at the corners, and there was a little shine in her pupils. It brought to mind the phrase most of us have heard at one time or another,"..the eyes are the windows to the soul." A smile doesn't just happen when we push our lips apart, it's a full- face drama. The eyes, the ears, the nose, the forehead, the cheeks, and of course the mouth all have a role to play. But it is beautiful when just the eyes express everything that needs to be said. 

Esther @ www.soakupinfo.com/Esther