"Be prepared to stay home for two weeks."Although the reason for this piece of advice is not pleasant and causes real concern and difficulties for many, as an introvert, I say, "Really, can I just stay home? That's not only ok, but wise?"
As an older person and a privileged one at that, I can choose to stay home, and I realize that is not possible for many. I am healthy and have good healthcare and have a strong support system in place, too.
And shelves of books waiting to be read. My husband actually said to me, "If we have to confine ourselves to home, maybe you will finish your book." Wishful thinking on his part, I think, for completing my book will take much longer than two weeks, but, as long as I am healthy, I could make writing progress, I am sure.
No doubt you've heard the recommendation to stock up on food and other necessary supplies to last two weeks, and I have just done that, but how else does one prepare for social confinement?
For example, how many years have I had on my "this year" list, to organize all the family photographs. This could be the time.
And what about those junk drawers and overflowing closets? People my age often talk about dealing with all their stuff? Sorting and simplifying. Go to it.
Do you have all the supplies for unfinished craft or sewing or art projects? What about the pile of DVDs you always say you are going to watch again? Like all the seasons of "The West Wing"? Are you someone who used to write letters, but no longer do so? Are there people you would like to stay in touch with beyond the annual Christmas letter? Call, write, email.
If you still set an alarm clock, turn it off.
Plan your garden. Knit a prayer shawl. Color. Do yoga or T'ai Chi. Dance to your favorite music. Sing. Play the piano. Look out the window--wash your windows. Set the table with your best dishes and eat soup or grilled cheese by candlelight.
Go for a walk. No, this doesn't break the rules, if you aren't walking with a big group of companions. You can't pass on the virus or get it by passing someone on the sidewalk. The snow and ice is melting, and walking without fear of falling is much more possible. Notice where daffodils are beginning to pop up and wave to all the children biking and shooting baskets. And while you are out and about, stock a Free Library with books you finish reading.
For of course, you will have spacious time to read. Maybe even War and Peace or other books you've put off reading for lack of time.
Write in your journal. Start a gratitude list. Create an ethical will.
Sit. Think. Pray. Take on the mantel of contemplation. Hold all who suffer in your heart.
And then sit and pray some more. If you fall asleep while meditating, don't worry, you can begin your prayers again when you wake up again.
Be present.
The practice of moment-by-moment presence,
breath-by-breath awareness, emancipates attention
from frivolity, from all that is meaningless, from
all the ways in which we squander this precious
human life. Kathleen Dowling Singh
Use this time as a retreat, a time to deepen your spiritual practice.
This, too, can be a time of awakening, of acceptance.
I certainly hope we won't need to confine ourselves in this way, but if it does become necessary, I intend to be ready.
Let there be
an opening
into the quiet
that lies beneath
the chaos
where you find
the peace
you did not think
possible
and see what shimmers
within the storm.
Jan Richardson
May you be well.
An Invitation
What do you think about being confined to home? I would love to know.
