What are you dreaming about?

I just hope for spring and the vaccine, for some sort of opening up again. For a togetherness with more closeness. I miss meeting people in bigger groups with a lot of input. It is a lot about a new impression or stimulus. When you go to the museum for example, you step in, and get something to deal with, you leave enriched. What you receive online, on the other hand, is always only one facet: a cheap one-dimensional rip-off of what you would usually get. Generally I am a very structured person. But now all I really want is to get out again as soon as possible. Without a plan. Just seeing the world, expanding my radius, discovering who is waiting and which stories will unfold.

Anna-Lena, Gesundbrunnen

How are you?

Winter and pandemic together are quite a mental load for me. I also work a lot from home at the moment, and I notice that this combination doesn’t feel really good. I do miss social contacts, just seeing others. What is really bad: a lot of people in my environment are collapsing, it feels like a heavy burden. I transferred a lot of my close friendship care into long phone calls. There is a really strong sense of mutual mindfulness: we take care of each other even a bit more, we listen more attentively, ask twice if we hear an undertone. It helps, but it’s no replacement for the real encounter. What life is about to me, what motivates me, and where I source a lot of energy, all of that is currently on hold. The Corona time feels so spongy, hazy, almost a bit like wrapped in cotton wool. For me, personally, there are no really insane ups and downs, it’s not nice, it’s not dramatic, but somehow we have to go through it.

What are you dreaming about?

I hope for a life with less restrictions and more social closeness – without the current risks: so that people can hug each other again. I really hope for togetherness becoming possible again. To me, it means more than just hearing my friends on the phone or seeing them on a screen. It means sharing a physical space, hugging my grandparents without thinking twice, and spending time with each other without fearing to endanger each other´s health. My biggest goal: to be happy and content with my life. I have been struggling with depression for quite a while. I am really looking forward to being free from it. It will be a life without constantly questioning myself, my expertise or my skills. I will be in the moment, and this state of being will not be eroded by self-doubt, but interwoven with a sense of contentment.

Klaudia, Wedding

How are you?

For me, as a person who is struggling with depression, this question is quite hard to answer. You don´t want other people to worry, so you tend to say "I am ok", even though that´s not the case. Frankly, I am not well. The isolation is not good for my mental health. I have a sense that at the moment, I cannot live and learn the way it would better my condition. That´s why I am breaking out, traveling to Sweden to spend some time at a village of 386 inhabitants, and enjoying some nature. In Germany I don´t have a place where I'd be comfortable to be in right now. Sure, I did ask myself: Is it an escape? But even if it is, it is better than a standstill, as it holds the possibility for change.

What are you dreaming about?

Even though we are all more or less house-bound right now, you can notice an overall restlessness. Due to the fact that the pandemic will surely accompany us for a longer time, it would be great if there was a bit more nonchalance and kindness in daily life. It could help if we smiled more at the people we meet on the street. And while I see the need for people to exhale, I am also asking myself which chances does the situation hold for our society? I am not sharing the idea that after Corona we should go back to "normal". Our economy driven approach doesn´t only lead to wealth, it also causes poverty for many. While we all feel more or less isolated right now, we should look at the fact that a big part of people has been or is lacking general social access and is thus being isolated from participation in everyday life. I hope we see that maybe capitalism isn´t everything. I am dreaming about a more fair-minded system for people.

Lara, Schöneberg

How are you?

The days are getting shorter, so I just read a lot and go to bed early. As a freelancer I work at the interface of journalism and literature mediation. So I used to be involved into, and initiated a lot of events. The pandemic affects me in a sense that it made one part of my working ground disappear: hitting the stage, hosting readings and discussions. I miss the energy that comes with it, as it also pushes me off stage, in my journalistic work. I have come to the conclusion that nothing can replace the quality of a cultural live event. It is unique, as it happens once, in a particular moment of time. The lack of support for freelancers is frustrating, it can become existence-threatening. I am truly worried about the cultural scene in Berlin. The support programs don't work for all of us and leave a lot of creatives behind. I realize how fragile freelancing can be. I am asking myself very real questions right now, such as: how am I going to make a living in the future?

What are you dreaming about?

I dream about doing a job I can fully commit to. My goal is to stick to my values when making a living. I want to work in an environment that serves society. It shouldn´t just be about earning money, I want to contribute some sort of sense and worth. If that wasn´t of such big importance to me, I would surely have a bigger amount of choices. But I really want my heart to be in the work, I know I need to stay true to that. It´s about finding a work in line with the idea of creating social value and purpose. I am up for a real challenge, something that might seem a bit too big at first, something that demands courage. Expanding. That´s exactly what I want.

Wiebke, Kreuzberg

How are you?

In the last two months I have been suffering from insomnia. I lost a family member, quit my job, had less social contacts, which is very hard for me as a super social person. I am accepting the situation as it is, giving myself time until January. Then it´s ok if something pops up. I need this period to find out what I want and in what sense I want to perform. Both my body and my mind tell me to calm down a bit. I notice it even more, now that I am allowing myself to soothe, how much I really need it. I go out for walks a lot, and now after two weeks of isolation at the German seaside, I start talking to people again. A good conversation is always receiving and giving. Recently I have focused even more on in-depth conversations with one person, exchanging positive vibes. I love that.

What are you dreaming about?

I use this time to become more clear about my dreams. I am a maker, so sometimes I ask myself: how to bring it all together, and where to start? I miss my parents and would love to live closer to them. The best thing would be moving back to a housing project, with a horse and a dog. I would love to work as a journalist and make a living with it. And one day I would love to become a mom. On the longer run, it’s not so much the Berlin lifestyle I am after. I enjoy the city right now, but my longterm goals lie somewhere else. However, when I lived in smaller cities, I have sometimes missed political clashes or debates and the lack of subcultural diversity. In Berlin, on the other hand, it’s much more difficult to gather with bigger circles and mingling groups. But everything has its time. The most important question for me is: will I make the jump to leave in the right moment? In regards of the current state and Corona, I really hope that it will enhance social solidarity, so that people relearn how to interact and support each other.

Linda, Friedrichshain

How are you?

We all tend to introduce the question on our current being with phrases such as "according to the given situation..." and "under the circumstances..." – which is how I would also describe my emotional status: quite ok, according to the circumstances. During the first lockdown I was isolated in a housing project with 32 people in Southern Germany. We had three beautiful gardens around us, an open fire place, it was an amazing time. In a way, I was hoping it would never end. Now back in Berlin I am experiencing the lockdown 2 basically as my first. It was a bit weird in the beginning to grow into it; everybody knows the rules and how it works, whereas for me it is still a bit awkward. I am basically starting at zero. As a hedo-life person, I am gaining a lot of energy through social contacts. Right now I am watching a lot of TV, as I am lacking the drive to do art projects. So in order to generate positive vibes, I try to find new ways which don’t involve social contacts.

What are you dreaming about?

What I miss the most is my new re-found partner and cultural life. In the digital sphere, I miss emotion and sensuality. 50% at least are missing: the planning, getting up, getting yourself ready, the excitement, leaving the house, arriving, looking at people, their gowns and dresses, the pleasure you feel through the cultural experience, including the way you move in your suit... Now I am pushing a button on my computer and it just starts. I am really looking forward to the day when we can look back and say: "This was a weird time we lived through." We can only imagine now what will follow after the pandemic: in my mind, I am curious for the new normal. The appreciation for culture will have completely changed, people will be hungry for new things and we might thus be able to see art which previously wouldn’t have been shown due to commercial reasons. The consumption of culture will increase, and there will be lots of free space for innovative approaches.

Raoul, Prenzlauer Berg

How are you?

Some days I feel lonely and I do miss physical contact with people. It’s as if Berlin has turned into a village, without the usual urban offers. It just makes a huge difference whether you have the opportunity to enjoy cultural events, or whether you don’t have it. Now, even if you want to, you can’t. I am really lacking inspiration, my inspirational level is on zero. You talk to people, and you don’t know what to share with them due to the lack of daily life experiences. In order to keep my creative juices in the flow and to kick off ideas, I switched from email communication with artists and clients to Zoom, FaceTime or phone calls – the spoken language is better for my brain right now. Despite this, I keep telling myself every day how well I am doing. After years of effort, my work is bearing fruit now. That’s why I would never ever complain. There are many other people who are not in this privileged situation, who really struggle and suffer.

What are you dreaming about?

What comes to my mind first is the wish to be able to take deep breath again. I can’t wait for a bigger lightheartedness in our everyday life, with less restrictions. It is difficult not to know when you will see your family again, when the kids can follow up on their hobbies. As soon as we can return to a bit more of a "normal" life, I would love to really start planning our fifth family member, and finally move to the countryside. I dream about a calmer life and our own space, where the kids can play in the garden. At the same time I hope that we all take the current circumstances as an opportunity to reflect on the worth of the small things in life. Nothing is to be taken for granted. And even the most simple moment can bring you joy.

Jessica, Charlottenburg

How are you?

At the moment I am growing beyond myself, juggling even more balls than before, and growing with my challenges. But it’s a constant push towards the limits. I try to take every day as it comes, which is difficult for me as a very organised person. Usually I like to plan and structure my days, so I do practice serenity. Job, two kids, and no family in town: it’s a heavy weight on the shoulders. I try my best to keep it all together. But as soon as one screw falls out, the whole system is at risk. The good aspect of this whole situation is that I really discover my own strength. The possibility for third child, which seemed impossible before, has now become an option. The fear of superfluity has gone. My mantra: step by step, day by day.

What are you dreaming about?

What I don’t get: cultural places are closed, even if they offer distant seating, but Deutsche Bahn is allowed to stuff their trains. And people who can afford it, buy two seats. The government shouldn’t sweep clean with iron brooms. It’s a very childish approach: "Then just let’s shut it all down." You can’t expect people to understand the measurements if you can’t explain them logically. And this is what is happening: people just don´t get it. At the same time I am annoyed by people who are not wearing their masks or who supposedly demonstrate for freedom by slandering the concept of freedom. Also, they destroyed the beautiful word "querdenken", which has had a positive connotation, until they came and fouled it. That being said, I hope people are getting back to sanity: it’s the second week I wasn’t able to buy kitchen roll, because it´s out of stock everywhere.

Miriam, Friedrichshain

How are you?

At the moment I spend more time on the screen than usual: chatting with people, or profanely looking at things which I usually wouldn´t, as the time would feel too precious to do so. With the Corona restrictions as such I am dealing quite well myself. I am not really anxiety-ridden in general, and so it doesn´t make sense to me being full of fear in the face of the current situation. The people I know who got infected with Covid-19 are through with it, luckily they all had a mild course of the illness. It´s different if a person who is close to you was or is really struggling, of course. Usually I go out a lot and was hoping for a full open-air season last year; I even got a glitter mask. During one garden electro event in July, people started to get up and danced illegaly. Before we left, my friend and I joined the dance a bit. In that moment, I noticed how much I had missed moving my body, and how nice it felt. What is going on right now is an enduring test for society and all areas of life.

What are you dreaming about?

In the last five to eight years I have made decisions for my life which now surprisingly help me to deal with the pandemic: living in a self-administrated community, and reducing the pressures of society, such as the pressure to perform and to consume. I decided to not just adapt to what is considered "normal". For example, I freed myself from the expectation to constantly have certain goods, and to earn the money for that. I noticed that I carry another time inside of me, a certain type of slow pace. A rhythm which works differently than the one around me. In a way, one thing I wouldn´t even have dared to wish for, has come true: since Corona, for the first time in my life, I feel that the world has started to function in a pace that matches mine. I was used to build a wall around me, to protect my inner world, but now I could finally drop it.

Marie, Rahnsdorf

How are you?

I am happy to have you here and that we are able to chat, and for the open door and the fresh air to constantly circulate around here in our kitchen. It´s just cool to exchange with someone who is into the same things that I am into. That´s what I missed a bit in the last months. The last two days have been a bit challenging in our housing project. Sometimes such dynamics can trigger internal issues from the past. It can take some time to digest that. Apart from this, I am very well. My people are alright, everybody is healthy. My friends in other countries such as Chile, Mexico or Brazil tell me that their situation is a lot more difficult, also dealing with Corona is different. When people here complain about wearing a mask, others would be happy if their government took care of such protection measurements.