Social Distancing, Social Boundaries for Womyn

It came to me today that the whole "Social Distancing" thing felt oddly familiar. The last week I been trying to put it into practice.

Then the Leo part of me began getting into it, especially at a local gas station with close quarters where two women were hanging out in front by the cashier taking up space with no intention to check out since they couldn't figure out what they wanted to purchase yet I just wanted to pay for my gas and go. They both were within two feet of me and I so wanted to tell them " I need my 6 feet!!"

I thought this is all a joke because there absolutely was no awareness at all of any of the rules at the gas station, and ALOT of people pass through a gas station indoors in close quarters!!

At work, coffee shops and even grocery stores they are bringing awareness to it, since I can only do take out at my favorite coffee shops and grocery stores have that bullet proof plastic erected in front of the cashier and they are wearing rubber gloves. They also have sanitizing wipes for the carts and cart  handles.

Last week my coworker asked what I was doing for the weekend and I wasn't in the greatest mood, I was tired at the  end of the week dealing with new policies because of COVID, and instituting them.
So I told her " Its a fucked up World with a fucked up President, where the hell am I gonna go? I can't even go sit in a damn  coffeeshop!!"
The social isolation is getting to me.
And not being able to even hug folks or shake  hands. I shook someone's hand a couple days ago, then told him " Im not supposed to shake your hand!"  We are creatures of touch and affection! Supposedly we need a certain number of hugs a day to thrive, or even a pat on the shoulder, or an introductory handshake. Now its a matter of life or death!

Well back to the 6 feet, which I applied throughout the grocery store whilst shopping...

Today talking to my coworker and close pal,  I realized that I taught women in Self Defense classes that they have a RIGHT to their bodily boundaries whether it be 3 inches, like on a crowded bus, or 10 feet walking down the street at night in a dangerous city environment. This is THEIR PROTECTIVE BUBBLE. I would have them visualize either protective white light or 4 Goddesses/ Amazon or female Samurai Warriors walking with them. One in front, one behind, one to the left, one to the right. One for each Direction protecting them.
Nobody was permitted to penetrate their protective bubble without their permission,  and to keep up the bubble, till they were safely home, unlocked the door and turned the lights on and their space was safe. Then they could let it down.

I have used this many times at night while living in Oakland, CA, and on my way home while walking. It kept me both alert and safe. I WOULD defend my territory if I needed to.

So today I realized that 6 feet is the distance a kick could reach. When sparring, I stayed out of the 6 foot range of another Martial Artist unless I was ready to attack, and so I could move quickly if they chose to attack. The same is true in a security circumstance dealing with difficult people who may be combative or hostile. 6 feet gives you room to move, defend or get away without being surprised and victimized. This is why 6 feet felt so familiar.

As a Leo, I am quite territorial. Whether its my bedroom, my items or my person. I don't want people touching me that I don't know, particularly men. Its a form of sexual harassment I noticed while in the Trades. Womyn are the " touchable" caste, even if its not in overt sexual zones.

I noticed one day that on my way to the bathroom at work, there's one Hispanic woman always cleaning the hallway, her section, a pal of mine I always chit chat with and am friendly to, even though her English is limited. One day one of the guys in the factory on his way out the door hugged and squeezed on her. The look on her face was very disturbing.  It was not consensual,  not wanted, very much sexual harassment, typical white male entitlement. I did the motion of brushing off each shoulder in disgust. She took my hand and slapped it several times, expressing to me in that moment of friendship and woman bonding she wished she could have done that to him, a spanking for violating her boundaries. I let her know I had her back!!

So back to the 6 foot rule. Instead of "Social Distancing" which to my Moon in Pisces half denotes isolation and alienation, something I can all too easily do and go into a deep funk, it came to me to rename it, for womyn especially, "Social Boundaries." For my mental, physical and spiritual health I NEED MY 6 FEET DAMMIT!! THIS LEO NEEDS HER TERRITORY WHEREVER SHE GOES!!!
Reframe it and rename it, take back your power. You have a RIGHT to your boundaries!!
   - In Sisterhood,
   - The FeistyAmazon