Where are you?

I wore these shoes daily to Rikers Island. For unfortunate and appropriate reasons they are made of Gore Tex - waterproof and breathable. It’s been two months since I’ve left, and I photograph them in my garage.

I ask this question of us because now, place matters more than ever before. Where we are in the world means how likely we are to be safe, and how likely we are to not see loved ones pass. Where we are is more complex than the place we are physically located. Our computer screen and other devices are where we have our family gatherings, group chats, business calls, and in my case, tele-therapy.

Where we are has never more been an amalgam of thoughts and feelings in an enclosed physical space. As they meet and collide with others around us, we are further orbited into other places beyond the walls which contain us. That argument over the state of the kitchen. Even over the cat. And finally, over money. Often these conversations spiral into a tornado of our own insecurities and fears, and can revert back on a trip down memory lane, and all the triggers along the way. Does it sound like I’m talking about myself? :)

In all seriousness these sentiments are echoed and predictable, given our nature as humans and our inherent and nevertheless beautiful humanity. So if I were to ask you, Where are you? the place I would be the most interested in is: Where you are with how all of this is feeling. As a mental health practitioner, I believe that is the most important. Sadly this is often not prioritized, or has not had to be until now. Perhaps this will be the starting point.