Lockdown re/discovery: 3 Things I Find Joy In Doing Now

Summary

The article discusses the author's personal re/discovery of joy through three activities during lockdown: praying and meditating, spending quality time with family, and enjoying nature with music and dance.

Abstract

The author reflects on the positive aspects of lockdown, focusing on the joy found in three specific activities. Firstly, the lockdown provided the opportunity to establish a consistent morning routine of prayer and meditation, fostering a sense of peace and inspiration. Secondly, the author appreciated the increased time spent with her son, allowing for deeper bonding and more frequent communication with family abroad. Lastly, the joy of immersing in nature, often accompanied by music and dance, is highlighted as a source of wonder and tranquility, with the author expressing gratitude for the freedom to enjoy the outdoors under Norway's quarantine rules. The article concludes with the author challenging fellow writers to share their own sources of joy during lockdown.

Opinions

The author views the lockdown as a period of personal growth and re/discovery of joyful activities.
There is a strong appreciation for the quiet moments of prayer and meditation, which were previously neglected due to a busy schedule.
The author values the unexpected gift of time with her son and extended family, which has been a source of happiness and connection.
Nature is celebrated for its ever-changing beauty and the sense of mystery it provides, with the author finding solace and joy in its midst.
The author is thankful for Norway's quarantine regulations, which allow for outdoor activities and contribute to her well-being.
There is an acknowledgment of the balance between cherishing time with family and welcoming the reopening of schools, which will benefit both the child's social development and the author's writing time.
The article ends with a personal challenge issued to other writers, inviting them to share their experiences of joy during the lockdown, indicating a sense of community and shared experience among writers.

#3: Spending time in nature while listening to music and dancing

Taking on the challenge suggested by my fellow writer Trista Ainsworth. This sat my focus on reflecting on all the great things that are happening thanks to the unpredictable lockdown. Indeed, life does happen for us, and in this case, I re/discovered areas that brought me joy, things that I either had little time to focus on or things that I just didn’t have the space in my mind to get curious about.

Here bellow 3 activities I re/discovered during lockdown that brought me joy and peace:

#1: Praying and meditating

I usually do my best to start my day with a thankful heart, for the new day, for the new gift of life. But with a little one to take care of in the morning and me having to head to work, I used to neglect that part, saying my payers in automat without really meaning each sentence or without reading with a patient and opened soul the scriptures. Thanks God during lockdown, I am making this a morning routine with no rush (grateful to hubby for assuring most of the morning routines) and it brings me joy, peace and inspiration for the day ahead. Starting the day in silence or in prayer is dear to me. I need my space to wake up peacefully.

#2: Quality time with my son and talking more to my family

I am a working mum (not for now temporarily due to the current situation). So before lockdown, time with my son was limited to an average of 2 to 3 hours a day. And those few hours were more filled with routines than spontaneity.

On one side lockdown allowed me to spend more spontaneous time with my son, getting to know him a bit more. Knowing more what makes him laugh and playful, what makes him frustrated, sad and what makes him peaceful and calm. All these things I had no idea before lockdown and definitely more to discover through the journey ahead.

On the other side I stayed more often in touch with my family living in France. We had more audios talks and video calling than usual and that was a great source of joy. Living in a separate country from my close siblings and parents isn’t an easy one every day. So noticing how our exchanges have increased during this period was a good news that I am thankful for.

#3: Spending time in nature while listening to music and dancing

Nature is my true nature. I love nature. There is something about nature that goes beyond the graspable and that’s what I love. I love the nature’s mystery. There is no monotony with nature, no day looks like any other if ones deeply observes around. The sky has a specific shade each day and the smell also varies from day to day. The seasons and how nature self-regulates amaze and humble me. Usually while working, I don’t get the luxury to be in the woods in the middle of the day; now with lockdown I have the possibility to get out in nature during daytime enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Some days with music, some days without music. The days with music it happens that I stop somewhere where it’s only the trees and me around and dance. Yes in Norway we are fortunate to have mild rules concerning quarantaine. It is allowed to get outside as long as people are not more than 5 all together gathered in one place.

And finally, let’s keep it real regarding #2: despite the fact that I am deeply enjoying spending more time with my little one, I am also quite delighted that schools will be opening slowly from tomorrow. Glad that he will be interacting and playing with other kids of his age and learning stuff that he does not get the chance to learn with mum’ and daddy. It will naturally also free more time to write, which is a win-win scenario for both our sanity.

On my turn to challenge you my fellow writers, those I lately had the opportunity to read stories from or interact with: What are the 3 things that are bringing you joy during lockdown? Looking forward to reading your stories.

Until next time dear reader, take gorgeous of yourself. Thank you for you time, be and stay well.

One love 💜