At the end of week one in isolation I reflect on the new things we’ve learned. It’s different for us all and that largely depends on our bubble and where we find ourselves isolated. I’m very fortunate and recognise my privilege in that space to be in a loving home with people I love hanging out with a the means for life to continue and be less challenging than for some.
I’ve continued daily walks with my dog, am doing far more yoga than when I used to have to go to a studio hence the online accessibility of my classes now and have found myself having zoom drinks with friends over the weekend (and enjoying not having to get changed and still being home by 10pm).
It certainly is a new normal but I also believe a massive opportunity. Not withstanding the obviously facts that we're in a global pandemic, people are losing loved ones and not everyone thrives in this kind of lockdown. However, as an optimist I'm always drawn to look on the bright side.
Over the weekend I witnessed many family walks, couples jogging and kids out on their bikes with parents. Everyone amusing themselves in their own bubbles. It dawned on me that this is what we used to do before the days of cafes, malls and busyness – we went outside, we spent time together, we connected.
Life has slowed down all of a sudden and whilst it might not be by choice it is what we’ve all been secretly wanting amid the stress and busyness that plagued our life up to now.
So what will change and what can we learn? Already at week one we’re seeing the initial panic wear off, an adjustment, embracing uncertainty and the positives that emerge – the impact on climate change for example.
We’re also seeing an increased connection, people reaching out to neighbours, helping family and spending more time together (within the bubble of course). We actively seek connection when that is cut off so another benefit of covid isolation has been compassion, virtual connections and check ins, people reaching out to ‘connect’ with other humans. We share meals together, we cook together and there’s no rush to head out of the door.
For once we’ve not so over scheduled with work meetings all over the country and social activities and classes to get to each evening. I love my home office, my comfy pants, morning tea in the garden and I’ve also started an office romance……. with my wife.
It’s uncomfortable to embrace stillness and silence when we’re used to noise and busyness, it can be uncomfortable to embrace down time when we’re used to being conditioned to be busy and productive. It can lead us looking to fill the void, to keep busy doing, even within the confines of our new normal – getting virtually busy.
I sat and read books this weekend and had afternoon naps. On occasions I felt guilty but then remembered I’m not allowed to do anything else. Initially I looked to fill the gaps, webinars, zoom meetings – productivity and then I realised the benefits embracing this down time could give me.
It’s a time to embrace the lack of commute, the increased family connection, the daily routine of exercise and being out in nature (even if it is just to amuse the kids) and re assess how we live and what’s really important to us.
It may be true that less is more. I’m wearing far less of my wardrobe but I’ve never been comfier – there’s less washing too. I’m not spending as much because I don’t need as much. I’m creating new meals based on what’s in the fridge to avoid supermarket shopping (and because there’s no take aways) and I get home approximately 3 seconds after my work day ends!
For the first time we have the permission to stay home, relax, slow down. Let’s embrace it and make the most of it not look for things to fill the ‘void’. What we see as the void is in fact our body and mind being given space to rest, time to think and most importantly time to just be. Make the most of it 😊