The Gift of Simplicity

Nov 23, 2020 1:04 am

Last week, the county where I live announced that shelter-in-place will continue until May 31^st. What surprised me wasn’t the news (we were expecting this) but the mixed feelings it brought up.

In addition to feeling disappointed and concerned for the economic effects, I felt relieved—and not just because our local government is prioritizing our health. I felt relieved to have another month of mandated simplicity in life!

Being acutely aware of the good fortune and privilege of having food on the shelves and enough work to keep the lights on, it’s also been curious to notice what I miss about pre-pandemic life, and what I feel glad to set aside.

I miss being able to see friends and family, to experience the satisfaction of a good, solid hug. I miss meditating with others in person, feeling what it’s like to be together in the same space.

At the same time, there’s so much extra that’s been shed. I don’t miss running errands, making small talk, or packing my suitcase for another teaching trip.

I imagine it’s slightly different for each of us, the things we do and don’t miss. It’s easy to stay focused on the absence of something we long for. What’s harder, yet eminently worth doing, is to notice what’s been gained in its absence.

What have you discovered during this time, as you put down extra and unnecessary activities?

Staying home has allowed me to feel some more spaciousness in my days. It’s given me more opportunities to take walks with my partner, to play with Lexi (our kitty), and to talk to my parents. It’s also revealed how tenacious the habit of keeping busy is, the ways I still get caught up and overlook the quiet stillness that’s available within.

And as for those hugs… well, of course physical contact feeds us in a unique way. But my heart is nourished by the connections I feel with friends, loved ones, and good people like you. In spite of the distance, we can always feel a connection in our hearts if we know where to look.