By Charly SHELTON

Today is the day before Cinco de Mayo – May 4. But we don’t say it that way. It’s “Star Wars” Day, so we wish each other, “May the Fourth Be With You.”

Each year, “Star Wars” fans around the world take this day to celebrate the films, TV shows, rides, video games, books and everything else that goes into making up the “Star Wars” universe. While we may not all agree on whether or not the new films are good, whether “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” at Disneyland is worth the hype or whether Han shot first, one thing brings us all together – The Force. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the fans together under one reverence for the properties. And on “Star Wars” Day of all days, when the call to adventure summons fans from their homes to congregate and share in the “Star Wars” community, we can’t. The lockdown has prevented any public gatherings. That means no screenings of the films, no trips to Star Tours or Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, no impromptu lightsaber battles with unsuspecting passers-by on the street. We have to hunker down at home and reach out with our feelings to fans everywhere doing the same.

Sure, most online stores have “Star Wars” merch specials released today, but those have been sold out since 6 a.m. And, yeah, all the films are on Disney+, but the Ewoks have eyelids now and it’s creepy. Ma klounkee. Come on.

But just as Master Yoda admonished Luke Skywalker for rushing off to Cloud City, we must have patience. Going out now may bring a better “Star Wars” Day experience, but would destroy all for which we have fought and sheltered. Stay at home, finish the “Stay-At-Home” order so that we may face the virus in the world when the time is right: on the other side of the curve.

The Jedi religion is based on Taoist principles, which call for patience, inaction, thought, connection to an inner force and moving only when absolutely ready. This sums up what we have all been going through in recent weeks and, whether it is by choice or by statewide order, we have all had to incorporate these practices and ideas so as to not go insane in mandated quarantine. That means that even though this May the Fourth is the least-involved “Star Wars” Day ever, it may be the most genuine connection to The Force that many of us have had yet.

Stay strong, stay safe and stay home. Quiet your mind. Unlearn what you have learned. And the Force will be with you. Always.