Self isolation doesn't mean you are alone

Hello you tall glass of water.

It's been a WEEK. How are you feeling? 

Have a moment now to take deep breath, and find yourself.

There you are.  

Hi.

I don't know how to write a dispatch this week without making reference to our collective efforts to curb this new global pandemic.  Of course the realities of what it means to be declared a pandemic (including what happens if you get COVID-19) are a little less hyperbolic than it all sounds at first blush. But the moment is real, and there is a fine line between living in caution versus living in panic. There is a lot of anxiety out there to be had, and I am not for a minute suggesting that your worry is not legitimate.  It is okay to worry right now, not just because of the legitimate health concerns (says the asthmatic taking immune suppressants...), but also because of the impact this moment is having on many people's lives and livelihoods due to the need to self-isolate.  The political move to limit physical interactions and contact with each other is a prudent step to take in an effort to lessen the spread of the virus. However the social and financial impacts of this imperative will be felt for a long time to come.

But here I am, repeating what you have probably head a hundred times in the past week. The reality is that you know all of this. Like everyone else, you have probably been scrolling twitter or listening the news as the latest closure announcements come rolling in, watching in awe (and maybe a little curiosity) as the raging socio-cultural machine of modern life slows to a plodding cantor, and we are all forced to slow down and isolate ourselves in our intimate home cocoons.

These dispatches usually explore themes related to being among/relating to/in communion with other people. And frankly, as a human being, I am not qualified to speak on much else (and even that is tenuous). I continue to assert that it is in relationship that we get to know the world around us, each other and ourselves. However, as we all contribute to flattening the curve and navigate these stressful times (and as we have explored in the past), I wanted to share a couple of links that speak to the physical "apartness" that we are going to be living for the next little bit.  Because.....
 

“All of humanity’s problems stem from [a person’s] inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Blaise Pascal

So are you sitting quietly?

Since most of us have some time to spend quietly over the next couple of weeks, I thought it would be a propos to share this long-form article about isolation that I really enjoyed. This poetic description of the authors almost transcendental experience of spending 24 hours sitting alone in the forest I found captivating. No walking, no moving. Just being, in nature. Perhaps this doesn't sound particularly radical or life-changing. But their description of the experience really inspired me to think both about presence and about the rich and wild relationship we have with the natural world.

But perhaps you are not into communing with nature in such an intimate way. The reality is that we all have a relationship with solitude whether we like it or not, by virtue of being human. I also liked this exploration of how solitude feeds the brain inspired by the life of reclusive poet Dulce Maria Loynaz, and how isolation can fuel creativity.

Finally, I can't help but bring meditation into the mix-- the ultimate solitary practice that can have ripple effects across time and space (in my opinion). I enjoyed this recent article questioning whether we should be morally obligated to meditate-- not just for our own mental health, but because "a growing body of neuroscience research shows that meditation can make us better to each other."  Of course it can be tough to get into as a practice. So I also liked this article with suggestions about how to achieve mindfulness without meditating.  So there are lots of options!

Ultimately, I guess what I want to contribute in this dispatch/ in this moment is that even in isolation, we are not alone. Whether it is re-establishing our connection to the natural world, connecting to our creativity and creating something beautiful for others to enjoy, or connecting to our deeper selves and the rhythms of the universe-- with intention, solitude and isolation can be an opportunity for deep connection with things that matter too.

Or honestly just play it old school and pick up your phone and call someone.

No, don't send a text.

CALL them. On the phone.

#connection

But wait! Perhaps all of this talk of social isolation is feeling a bit too intense on a sunny Sunday morning? Then please enjoy this article about corporate speak and be glad that you are working from home this week.

Still too much realness?  Then check out this awesome article of a woman who perfectly tended her succulent for two years until...

From one self-isolating person to another, I am glad that we can connect virtually together. I hope you enjoyed this dispatch, and have a health-filled week!

Until next Sunday,
The Earnest Platypus