Minimisation of social interaction these days is driving many people crazy.
But the introverts are not included. Like many of them might say.
Really?
I put myself somewhere in between of introvert and extrovert. This quarantine time has been a good test for me to find out to which side I’m leaning towards.
It turns out: I’m more of an introvert, since I hardly craved for social (face to face) interactions with other people beside the person I’m living with. And I’m glad just to stay at home and go outside for a walk.
I do miss bars sometimes. But that’s the extent of which public place I miss.
Oh, and swimming pool.
Anyway. I like to be alone and do my own stuff. But this isolation time has taught me so much about myself, and the world around me, than I ever expected.
Introverts enjoy being at home and not going to have small talks with others. This is what we thought we know.
But most of the times, the location is not the problem. “The others” are. And especially the social obligation to make meaningless interactions with them…
The truth for me is: mandatory quarantine like this really gives me more space in my life. That’s how I feel. Spacious. I focus better when I’m at home; I enjoy spending quality time with my live-in boyfriend better. I’m much more aware of my inner activities: how I’m feeling about this and that, and why?
It’s like the five senses. When one sense is compromised, the other four will strengthen.
Normal live routine, especially conventional social interactions, is much more limited. Therefore part of your brain is triggered. You start to observe more clearly many other aspects that have been intensified.
Your brain, for evolutionary reasons, will probably perceive the intensified aspects (neighbours dog’s barking, birds chirping, your partner’s snoring even when he/she’s taking a short nap) as negative. But there will be time coming, where you adjust yourself in this new condition of work and life. You accept the isolation as a fact, and gratefully observe the intriguing process of how your mind adjusting to it.
That’s to say, isolation is your chance to a month-long meditation retreat!
Don’t miss this paid, and socially praised meditation retreat!
PS: I’m inspired mostly by Seth Godin’s Get to vs. have to podcast and blog. Highly recommend it!
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