These days, it’s almost impossible to leave the house in the morning without a mask. (Though I still often forget my vitamins 😅) Now, masks are everywhere, packed into cabinets like disaster relief supplies. But a few years ago, they were rare treasures, used maybe three or four times a month to dodge fine dust. Even on days with emergency dust alerts, most people went mask-free without feeling their lives were at risk. Looking back, it was a pretty peaceful time. Little did we know…
In 2017, when the National Safety Agency added fine dust alerts to emergency messages, I bought my first mask. The pharmacy corner had as many mask varieties as hangover remedies. A quick search suggested KF 94 for ultra-fine dust protection.
Wearing a mask for the first time felt awkward, like floating in a spacesuit while changing a pump controller. Inside the mask was a serious oxygen deficit, making it tough to choose between lung damage from dust or brain damage from lack of air.
Nowadays, it seems the whole world opted for brain damage, and newborns might already be evolving to survive on minimal breaths. But, not being as evolved, I still find masks stifling and uncomfortable.
Once upon a time, during a scuba diving adventure, I faced a similar situation. Not being able to swim, I clung tightly to my guide’s hand, focusing solely on breathing in and out. But for some reason, the guide suddenly let go, disrupting my breathing rhythm. (What a bad move) I inhaled deeper in panic, but the narrow tube couldn’t supply enough oxygen, and fear took over. My anxious movements created a gap in my mask, allowing water to seep in. Panic hit me hard as my guide, oblivious to my plight, gestured from afar, looking like a farewell wave to the other side.
This is it, I’m going to die.
That thought crossed my mind. From then on, anything I do is a bonus in life. Since we’re all going to die anyway. Suddenly, I felt calm. Wu wei, the natural way of the universe, as Laozi taught. I still remember the calmness of that moment in my body. With no one to rely on, I was the only one who could save myself. I took a quick gulp of the salty sea that seeped around my mouth, then calmly resumed breathing through my main regulator.
I survived the scare and am here to write about it today. Although that scuba diving incident is unforgettable, I never want to go through it again. Reflecting on that experience, I could wear masks for months without complaint. Even though a gap in a paper mask might let in the virus… Anyway, I hope this situation ends soon so I can walk outside with a bare face under the bright sun without a second thought.
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