Quarantine Opportunities

“Sometimes, however, this sense of isolation, like acid spilling out of a bottle, can unconsciously eat away at a person’s heart and dissolve it.”  Is what Haruki Murakami, a Japanese writer wrote. The idea of isolation and self-quarantine is very much a possibility these days, more than ever before. Furthermore, with many governments banning travel and corporates advising work from home, social distancing is becoming a reality. There are many who are forced into a quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. I was thinking about the possibility of my own isolation: what would I do and what could I do?

For a person who is gregarious the thought of isolation for many days without clarity on when it can end can be crippling. However, after a few moments of contemplation I said to myself: how can this be an opportunity and a possibility, rather than a menace to cope with. So here we go. Let’s look at the various lenses one can look through at this period.

Intellectual: It’s a good idea to catch up with the reading you always wanted to do, whether management and leadership books or fiction. I enjoy thrillers and detective fiction so I believe they would help me get rid of ennui. It would also be good to write about one’s experiences, ideas on the work one has done, and the insights one has gathered from the experience. Once you start writing you may even find it enjoyable. Revisiting your writing after 2 or 3 days may prove to be insightful. If you are into art and painting or have always wanted to play a musical instrument, perhaps that is a great pursuit as well.

Personal: It would be good to ask yourself questions such as “Who am I?”, “what am I here for?” “What is the legacy I wish to leave?”. Although, a two-week isolation may be inadequate to find cogent answers. It is for this reason Jesuits priests have taken a voluntary retreat to pray and meditate on their calling. While these are simple questions, they are quintessential in themselves, they would be worthwhile asking of oneself. It would enhance one’s own self-awareness. 

Spiritual: the last 6 weeks seem to have really brought us together as a community of fellow human beings. Forces beyond our thinking and volition are working. It is important to think and meditate about things which are spiritual. Read your scripture and meditate on it. In moments when you are alone, you can unravel knew insights. Spend time in prayer and meditation, not just for yourself and loved ones but petitions for people in your social circle and the issues we are confronting. I believe the united prayer of many would move many an obstacle.

Physical: It is easy to just lie down, brood and do nothing in such times especially if health is also not too good. However, try not to fall into that cycle. Having a good lung capacity is essential for recovery, therefore regular breathing exercises at least thrice a day would be helpful. In addition, simple floor exercises would tone up the body. The one thing which would elude you is sleep as the body is not tired so ensure reasonable physical activity so that the body can embrace sleep like a long-lost friend.

Social: There may be medical attendants who may be in contact with you. They are your allies in this journey. They are overworked and tired. Any empathy you show to them will reap disproportionate dividends. You can find out about their social context and the motivation to serve despite odds and limited facilities and amenities we take for granted in corporate settings. Many a time the smile and selfless service of these medical attendants could be the only bright spot in the day.

Letter writing is a forgotten activity. It might be a good idea to send out letters your family, close friends. It sure will communicate that you care for them. You may choose the email option if physical letter writing may pose risks of virus transmission.

Financial and Material: It is a good time to start writing your will, especially in response to the “what if” question. I am sure in our busy schedules this would not be a priority. There is enough material on the net on how to do it. Scripting it can be liberating as well.

So do prepare a bag with good books, your scriptures, Kindle, note pads and a couple of good pens. More than that prepare your mind to have this beautiful encounter with yourself.

God forbid if isolation is inevitable, you could choose solitude to loneliness and make it worthwhile for both your self and your loved ones.

In conclusion the words of Dr. Henry Cloud, an American Self Help author, sums it aptly " There is a difference between solitude and isolation. One is connected and one isn't. Solitude replenishes, isolation diminishes."