Find joy in being a recluse for an upside to pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest tragedies in human history. The disease has killed more than 200,000 Americans and more than 950,000worldwide as of Friday. Many deaths could have been prevented.
Millions more have been sickened. Lives are disrupted by economic hardships. There is so much misery. The most appropriate mood for this time feels like one of profound sadness.
Yet, the human spirit demands that silver linings be sought, even in the darkest moments. While many may crave companionship, there is one type of person who thrives in isolation during the pandemic: the recluse.
The recluse does not miss dining out at restaurants or the ability to sit at a bar for hours and soak up the atmosphere of a tavern. He sympathizes with out-of-work performers, but he does not miss going to shows.
Seclusion has many benefits. Being isolated is not the same as being anti-social. One can connect with others without making physical contact.
Some have developed a liking to being home alone for extended periods during the past six months. They appreciate how silence enables one to think more clearly, without distractions of televisions or other noise.
These times call for quiet reflection to make sense ofworld events.
Some feel itwould be inappropriate to go out dining and drinking with all the human suffering in the world.
For them, it doesn’t seem right to party while so many are grieving the loss of loved ones or worrying about friends and family members who are sick.
Those who willingly choose to sequester themselves may discover a deeper appreciation for what they have. Books are an obvious example. With winter on theway, some look forward to wrapping themselves in blankets and catching up on their reading.
The recluse may explore meditation, yoga or other activities that promote physical and mental wellness. The path to self-improvement begins with a single step, like every long journey.
The hours home alone provide opportunities to practice amusical instrument or learn another language. Perhaps some resolve to master a recipe and opt to spend their time cooking or baking in their kitchen.
The potential to improve a set of skills seems virtually infinite. After six months, wemay be just a third of theway through the pandemic, according to some health experts. That leaves only 12 more months to enjoy the peace and quiet of isolation.
Even the most popular, socially active personalities can learn to embrace reclusiveness. One need not be a diagnosed introvert to show consideration for the health and safety of others by staying home as much as possible.
Recluses shake their heads at crowds demonstrating for fewer restrictions on social gatherings. More than 300 gathered in Crescent Park in Orland Park Thursday evening to call for increased in-person learning in schools. Several feel strongly about the need to resume high school football and other activities.
Many years after I finished high school, I discovered that the key to being cool is to not care about being cool.
Clearly, there are a variety of opinions about staying home. Those who oppose guidelines aremore likely to demonstrate about their views. Those who are happy staying home are less likely to stage public protests.
I support those who are comfortable staying home. As luck would have it, I curtailed my socializing when I quit smoking cigarettes a year ago. Sunday, Sept. 20, marks one year smoke-free.
In order to quit smoking, I had to quit drinking. I have been alcoholfree since Dec. 26, 2018. I had mostly stopped going to bars and shows before the pandemic started because itwas difficult to be around people whowere drinking and smoking.
Whenever possible, I continued to support musician friends and venues that presented live music. My heart aches for those in the entertainment and hospitality industries, especially locally, whose livelihoods are affected by the pandemic.
I began 2020 resolved to improve health and fitness. I swam at a public fitness center three times aweek throughout January and February. I have not been to a pool or fitness center since March, due to the pandemic.
Beginning in the spring, I discovered the transformational joy of yard work, at home. The physical exertion of digging and raking, combined with the mental satisfaction of being productive, was a positive use of time at home during April and May.
But nature’s fury destroyed the backyard garden not once, but twice over the summer. First with a bad storm in late May, then with the notorious derecho on Aug. 10. It felt like a higher power was mocking every attempt to safely spend time at home in the backyard during the pandemic.
The storm damage has been cleaned up, and now begins the process of preparing the yard and garden for winter. By late November, the outdoor work will be finished. That is, until snow needs to be shoveled from the driveway and sidewalks.
I think now may also be a good time to make plans about howto spend many hours indoors over the next several months.