We make life so much harder than needs to be. As Brian Andreas says over at Flying Edna, there’s no right way to do it. There’s only the way that works and the way that doesn’t.
And it’s pretty easy to figure out what’s what if we just pay attention. So I like to say that I’m living the Life of Brian. He’s wise.
For us, resistance to shelter in place is not helpful. It’s futile. Just like aging, Sure, you can get pulled and pumped and injected, but you’re still aging. Same with SIP.
I know I don’t feel comfortable going out in public. Traveling. Visiting restaurants. Flying. Staying in hotels. Nope. Not until there’s a real treatment and a vaccine, and even then I’ll think twice or three or maybe 10 times. And I know many of you are with me on this.
So I’m thinking of this as a year long Buddhist retreat. I haven’t been particularly productive, during SIP but I have been thinking. I’m enjoying the heck out of my Zoom connections with those I love. I’m cooking. Walking. I’m writing a little. I’m laughing a lot.
I’m taking it one day at a time. Small bites are more easily digested. And not resisting. Not bemoaning what I’ve lost. There’s no point. It just provokes anxiety.
SIP means I’ll stay safer. I could be the difference between life and death for those of us more vulnerable. I know what I choose. Yes, I’m lucky I can.
This image is from Bring Your life Back to Life by Brian Andreas, a book that is chock-full of wisdom. Find it here. Or if you want just the print, find that here.
Buddhist retreat is a great way of looking at it.
I’m actually enjoying my ‘Buddhist retreat’!
I’ve never understood people who fight tooth and nail against the inevitable. I mean, SIP SO obvious! Why can they not see it?
My brother is in the ‘everyone back to work’ demographic. Last night, he told me we should just let this pandemic run its course. I was aghast. That’s just fine till it’s someone you care about.
How much is Gramma worth in today’s market?
What if it were you to die? Would he still feel that way? I am flummoxed as well.
Love the idea of lockdown being a Buddhist retreat! I have stayed at home since lockdown here in England (around 21 March). I’ve wiped this year clean as regards travelling – but I have no qualms about next year though. Can’t think about travelling this year – even if all ok I wouldn’t be relaxed. I’ve missed shopping in physical shops – my food is delivered. I’m taking the time to destress, relax, eat healthy & exercise.
I am also taking time to exercise, eat well, etc.
SIP has been a wonderfully indulgent time for me. I already worked from home, but this gave me time to dig deep into some things. I could do this for many more months.
I love your attitude, Pennie!
But we’ve been doing it this way for years! is a statement that usually puts me into a tailspin. I’m not all for change just for change’s sake, but if it improves things…let’s go!!
Good post.
Thanks, Paul. I do hear ya!
While we are all SIP, I enjoy going food shopping. It’s the highlight of the week now. I’m not that scared TBH. I wear my mask and gloves and always follow rules for proper sanitary practices. That’s the best I can do!
We get delivery… I do miss shopping in person, though. But not enough to go.
I have stayed home since the very beginning, but like you, I’m one of the very few who have truly been able to shelter in place. It’s not the reality in most communities. The loss of jobs, retirement funds, health insurance they see the virus as a better alternative to losing it all. I live in a world where a famous sneaker is an “essential business”. I’m somewhere in the middle. I feel as if it is time to step outside, but taking as many precautions as possible is a responsibility. Masks should be laws, big get-togethers banned, and common sense to prevail. Like you say, there’s no right way.
For me it’s important to mitigate risk. I’m just not interested in dying yet … or being the cause of someone else’s death. That really is the bottom line.
Love the idea of this being a year long Buddhist retreat! We truly have to make lemonade out of lemons and do whats right for us and our loved ones. A whole new normal for us! Love your insight!
I figured i can’t stay in denial… I have to stay sane.
Love the idea of lockdown being a Buddhist retreat! I have stayed at home since lockdown here in England (around 21 March). I’ve wiped this year clean as regards travelling – but I have no qualms about next year though. Can’t think about travelling this year – even if all ok I wouldn’t be relaxed. I’ve missed shopping in physical shops – my food is delivered. I’m taking the time to destress, relax, eat healthy & exercise.
I do have concerns about travel next year. I don’t trust airlines to do the right thing and I don’t trust hotels either. We talk about this almost daily.
Yes. We can hope we are wrong but I fear we are not.
Sadly, I have to agree with you.
I’m with you. Can’t understand these people with such disregard for their own safety and that of others. I guess we’ll see when the numbers come out. Crazy.
There’s a. lot of selfishness in this country.