The period of the quarantine— which we’re about halfway through, at least based on the presumptive start of next school year— seems to be a period of self-observation and reflection for me. Without the hustle and flow of the school week to distract me, I am noticing the dips and peaks of physical and mental well-being that normally passed through me without much fanfare. For example, I now truly feel the dip in energy that comes around 1:00 every day and makes me more irritable until I take a short nap or drink some coffee. I also notice how my mood changes for hours after I read the news or look at Facebook.
It’s a good sort of observation: no judgement, just noticing. I’m learning more about myself and my needs during this time. It takes a lot of effort to create the conditions required for my continued contentment! I need routines and habits to help me stay in the moment (sleep, meditation), make my body comfortable (eating well, stretching), and keep my emotions from bottling up (writing, playing music, watching heart-twisting television). Dang. I am high maintenance!
Photo credit: Pixabay
I have a great life: amazing family, a job I love (under normal circumstances), a healthy body, enough money to live on, time to pursue activities I enjoy. But a great life isn’t the only thing needed for happiness. Some people have horrible lives and still feel inner contentment. Others have everything they could possibly need and never find happiness.
For me, happiness is a constant search for balance. Enough time for myself without sacrificing the moments of joy with my children. Sleeping enough to have energy and still wake up early. Eating well but enjoying a treat now and then. I am a person naturally bent toward extremes, but extremes don’t make me happy, so balance must be maintained.
What observations have you made about yourself lately?
I’m seeking stability. It’s not in my current large scale situation, but that’s what I crave. So I’m seeking it in small things.
Interestingly I asked the kids to share what they notice about observations about themselves since being at home as part of our class meeting. Overwhelmingly it was their attitude about school. They miss it tremendously because of the friendships and the predictable nature. Others did mention relationships within their families have changed. Some can’t stand their siblings any more, yet others acknowledge how close they have grown. One brought up gratitude. I wish I could remember more of their comments. They were quite insightful. I chose this as they get ready to write a fictional piece with character change.
Hi Lynn, yes, stability must become a craving at a certain point. I’m really interested in the question you gave your students. I love that you’re getting them to reflect on themselves and their lives. I think it’s hard for kids to do that but it’s so worth the effort and will be great for their development!