Man is a social animal, and we need each other for emotional support. The pandemic is the classic example when the world is in lockdown. Many are feeling the brunt of not being able to communicate, hug, and interact with their extended families.
Now, although the immediate family is in the same four walls, emotions are running high as mostly our thoughts and ideas don’t agree.
As a writer, I have observed that my creativity is the lowest at that point. My ego-filled mind and intellect run parallel, just like two railway tracks, and I can’t pen a single word without frowns and disappointment.
I can feel the train of thoughts chug by in my mind with no interaction from the intellect since the track is parallel. As a writer, I see the sunrise and sunset without getting any inspiration to pen since I choose to brood over an argument that happened within my four walls or choose to lament over what my teen did or could have done in his spare time.
Sigh!
But as the weeks ticked by and spending family time amidst board games and movie nights, I realized there is no such thing as winning an argument amidst family.
When you win, you usually don’t win. And when they win, they don’t win. The best outcome is a tie. If you both can walk away equally satisfied—or even similarly dissatisfied—that’s the real challenge. And the real win.
Easier said than to be doing in practical life. I made a few pointers that I eventually embraced to find that inner peace to start my penning.
Be in the moment
That requires the art of being aware of an argument in the first place. I had to be mindful of my surroundings—my thoughts, feelings, and body. And also be conscious of the people around me. Most of our communication is felt or seen before it reaches the verbal realm. Being fully present…is the key.
Stay Present
I realized I’ve been eluding my teen’s presence. I would do this in subtle and subconscious ways.
Most of the time, we are in a constant state of avoidance. By avoiding, you are telling people in your life that something is more important than them. Going back to the first point…become mindful of their presence will help solve this issue.
Make Time
Too much to do in the lockdown, but less time. Are you also multi-tasking, like me? Then, how would you become fully present in any conversation?
As Malcolm Forbes said, “Presence is more than just being there.” Being fully present focuses all of your senses on the task or person at hand. Being mindful for a couple of minutes a day and see what you notice.
Since I work from home, multi-tasking was a band-aid solution to fill my void, which became a habit even during the lockdown with family around. I could feel myself becoming overwhelmed. How could I dismantle myself from this over-scheduled and over-committed life for my search for Balance?
Set Boundaries
Can’t say No to family requests that usually involve cooking their favorite foods could lead to overwhelming emotions that could, after a few weeks, lead to spew of venom. Creating a boundary where each respects their space gives all the privacy and yet the privilege to enjoy each other’s company, is the key.
Energize the Mind-Body
Taking time to exercise is very important. The mind also needs our love and undivided attention every day for a few minutes.
Embrace an unprecedented time
Lately, the news of COVID is that it’s airborne. Now, to embrace the new change of not stepping out without a mask and maintaining that social distance should be the mantra. Again that allows us to be mindful of our actions when in public and be in gratitude to be in good health to venture out in the first place.
All the above steps are tedious, and honestly, there are days when my mind gets exhausted before the physical body. But, aren’t we the intelligent souls here, we can fight out any times. Let’s continue to find that inner peace and be able to continue with our passion…writing.
Even when there are only two in the main ‘pod’ all of these tips can apply.
But whose the writer of the post? ~Thank you and keep safe.
Sometimes in our attempts to get everything done some things slip through the cracks. I know when I was raising my own teens that the main mantra was pick you battles and pretty much don’t worry about winning the war.
Thankfully our teens both became responsible adults. Lets hope that with the newest upticks in the spread of this pandemic that more people will ‘grow up’ and wear their masks and keep distant, and continue to clean up. Our state has joined several others that now has border and quarantine restrictions. We need to believe that things will get better, but we all have to do our part. As well as hope that those working on vaccines and taking care of those who are sick work quickly and with continued compassion.
Amen to your thoughts, Jules. Although, I pray my teen comes out as a responsible young adult from all this. Thanks for stopping by.
Hear, hear!
I can admit, the first couple of weeks my husband was working from home were an adjustment period, then we settled into a nice routine. Remember, this was only supposed to last two weeks to flatten the curve. Even at the end of three months, we were still peaceful, but by the end of the fourth month, snappiness was in control. Thankfully he went back to his office building yesterday. I think we both needed a break.
Glad it worked out well for you, Suespitulnik. Love n Light!
This spoke to me today! Loudly. Thank you, C
You’re very welcome Cheryloreglia. Love n Light!
Excellent piece! As a former retired workaholic teacher, balance is the key to most aspects of life. All of a sudden, I have time to exercise. I’m volunteering. I can try new things and start and stop when I feel like it instead of always running to my next meeting. This period of life is the moment I’ve dreamed of. (Not a pandemic, but the opportunity to chart my course).
Thanks petespringerauthor. It’s very rare that people get such opportunities to fulfill their dreams. Three cheers to you!
Fantastic article, Ruchira! I forgot to make sure your author banner was included but it’s there now. You offer good advice for us and I especially aprreciate the reminder that we can be resilient and continue with our writing.
Thank you Charli. I am thrilled to get such a platform where I can offer my two cents.
I agree with you, Ruchira. It is very important to be in the present moment and especially to be aware of our emotions and responses to others. I guess I’ve been faily lucky in lockdown in that I’ve been home by myself during the day (mostly) as my Hub has been able to continue working outside the home. Perhaps I’d have found it more difficult had we been locked up together. I hope you and your family are able to find the happy spot that brings you all peace.
Thank you Norah for stopping by. Yes, we are finding that balance and learning to be appreciative of each other’s company esp my teen 🙂
I’m pleased to hear it. It’s not always the easiest job in the world.
It’s always a delicate balance – too much company and we’re swamped, too little and we’re lonely. Similarly with too much or not enough to do. Humans, never satisfied! Glad it’s kind of working out for you and your family.
I find these C-19 posts fascinating, Charli. It is interesting to see how this virus is impacting first world people so differently from third world people. It all boils down to the Maslow hierarchy of needs in the end. You can only worry about the emotion impact of the virus if your primary needs are taken care of. In many first world economies, governments have helped by furloughing salaries and providing financial aid to people and businesses. Here in SA, there is very little government aid and the need for money to buy basics like food overwhelms any concerns about catching this virus. As a result, SA now has the fifth highest number of cases in the world and this has to be considered in light of our population which is under 60 million compared to the USA and Brazil, whose populations are significantly bigger.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Robbieinspiration.
love it
whats the current writing prompt, please, anyone?
It’s posted: https://carrotranch.com/2020/08/06/august-6-flash-fiction-challenge-2/
thanks:)