We’re Stronger Apart When We’re Together
Collective rituals are an important way to make connections, especially during the quarantine. They help mark time, create connections, and give meaning to others that otherwise would not have shared in these experiences.
Think back to a time in your childhood, maybe you played a team sport. For me it was softball. Imagine running back to the dugout, huddling together in excitement and chanting:
We don’t play with barbie dolls (x2)
We just play with bats and balls (x2)
We don’t wear no mini skirt (x2)
We just wear pants and t‐shirts (x2)
And when the bases are full:
That’s the way
uh huh uh huh
We like it
uh huh uh huh
That’s the way
uh huh uh huh
We like it
Strutting on the field like Mick Jagger, full of energy. We were indestructible.
Every spring for three years we got to be wild and free together. We were loud, proud, and unbeatable.
Even though quarantine has separated us we come together to show collective support at hospitals and acknowledge first responders with the ritual of sounding horns and banging gongs at 7 PM every night. We’re having social-distancing happy hours on our streets. We are helping each other at a time when isolation is at its peak. These rituals add meaning to our time apart and are keeping us connected.
Rituals experienced together, even while apart, help us cultivate a sense of belonging and remind us that we are more resilient when we come together.
