As of writing, it’s Friday, capping off week ONE of staying indoors about 98% of the time. The two percent was about finding an excuse to step out and “buy something”. I’m not so sure how I feel about this whole thing yet. An (almost) global quarantine.
Our apartment. A small, one bedroom flat I live in with my girlfriend, Nat. So far this is the longest we’ve been in confinement together– no dates out, no long walks, no external stimulation other than the Internet which has gone hot and wild (not in a good way) in the past week.
There are quiet little corners that I’ve learned to appreciate in the countless times I’ve stayed home alone, doing nothing as a mandatory creative break I impose on myself. Those quiet little corners seem to be screaming to be appreciated now that we are both just home. Home but still trying to go about our days as close to normal as possible.
Can we slow down, please?
I look at these photos I’ve taken and kept in my phone from a few months back, remembering the afternoon I captured them. How still and at peace I felt to just be in a home we’ve built for ourselves.
But all of this past week, we’ve been on our devices. Typing away, jumping into virtual meetings, reading emails and creating content. And that’s just us. Around all social platforms, we can see how everyone is consuming information and content with wide eyes. It was like a binge. WE. CAN’T. SKIP. A. BEAT.
Why not, though? When we create our pulse?
We all may be physically at home, but really, we are still too out there. Too immersed on false information, headlines that were written to scare us and every single thing that our friends and favorite influencers post. Just imagine the Internet becoming a public place where everyone decides to go because everywhere else is closed.
It’s crowded, it’s noisy, it’s packed with so many people. It’s a fool-proof recipe for anxiety. Naturally, if you stay there, your mood will begin to shift. And because it’s so crowded, even the slightest thing will piss anyone off. Remember that time a stranger accidentally bumps you and apologizes but it just didn’t seem to cut it? We’ are at that point.
We all have our eyes on the situation. We are looking at it with the intent of getting through.
Present progressive verb: Looking.
What if we try seeing instead of just looking? Seeing brings depth to how we process and react to what’s happening. Seeing allows you to have your eyes on the situation even when your actual, physical eyes are closed. Are you with me?
Perhaps we could start to SEE how together we can be or should be despite the physical distance.Or SEE how we shouldn’t be choosing who to be compassionate and forgiving to. Or SEE how we are finally given an opportunity to be HERE and be PRESENT. Maybe then, the exhaustion and overwhelming feelings will start to die down.
There is so much good surrounding this situation. So much despite the confusion, fear, sadness and pain.
If you Look: We’re being asked to stay home.
If you See: We are asked to BE RIGHT HERE, vibrationally together.
So keep the distance physical.
Are we HERE yet?
