The Pandemic Chronicles
Reinventing My State Of Mind
A month or two ago, I never could have imagined that I would have spent as much time as I have, writing about topics related to the Covid19 pandemic. However, the journey has become incredible enough, that I couldn’t possibly keep this story to one or two articles. I knew that it would be a learning lesson. But I never predicted that the lessons would be as abundant, and valuable as they are turning out to be.
If I tried to write it in one or two pieces, I don’t believe that I would have given true justice, to the magnitude in which the quarantine, has affected, and changed our mental health, and our understanding of ourselves.
Going through this somewhat abridged life has been a rather enlightening experience for me. It has not been all bad, or quite as brutal as many may had first predicted. While it does feel weird in some parts of daily living, it really is a bit relaxing in other ways.
I go through each day, with conscious, detailed thoughts of life, and it allows me to do a self initiated inventory of mindfulness. I seem able to get a clearer picture on the state of my wellbeing. I feel like I have silent check ins with myself, and I reflect on what may be bothering me, or what my current personal defects may be. I have come to do this, as a way of enjoying the silence.
A few things I have mentioned recently about the pandemic are things that will likely be repeated at times, because every part of this is evolving as more time, and more healing goes on.
Right now, we aren’t lacking in things like technology. TV’s are running, the internet is doing fine, and we still have the one constant, that is our news. Coming at us, and available in a minute to minute, second to second manner.
What seems like the foundation for relaxation is that missing component that normally keeps our stress up and running. And that of course, is our schedules and deadlines for everything imaginable.
Now obviously, this isn’t true for anyone who’s essential. But when I look at the majority of us, I see a graceful flow through our days. Not so silent, but certainly not deafening. Those schedules and deadlines of ours have all taken a snooze and a back step. The stress along with them, has taken sabbatical as well.
I urge that to be seen. To the workaholics of the world, who feel this is torture or terrible, take a quick step back. And realize, that a break from a constant rush, is a break any human should deserve. It is a time to allow rejuvenation to do its duty. To allow nature to rebuild and reset us.
It’s a far cry from the definition of laziness. Rest and lazy aren’t one in the same. This sort of forced change has hopefully served its purpose for others. I was already trying to master the study of mindfulness before hand. This extra amount of education I’m getting right now is one huge gift and blessing from God that’s for sure.
Taking a step back from the entire picture, and taking it all in, is where I am trying to remain at. It’s been an experience like no other that I can ever imagine.
I have gotten back to a place where I actually can catch up on my reading. I have been a vast collector of books since I was a kid, and through the past few years, I have gotten a bit behind. But not anymore.
I have come to see that this is a time to realize that there still are those simple things in life. Within those simple things, is a process I can do, where I take a huge look into all parts of my life. It becomes clearer now, because of the coronavirus, what has remained important, and what, I am okay with letting go of. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a self inventory time, like no other.
Stay safe, and stay healthy.
Michael Patanella
is a Trenton, New Jersey Author, Publisher, Columnist, Editor, Advocate, and recovering addict, covering topics of mental health, addiction, sobriety, mindfulness, self-help, faith, spirituality, Smart Recovery, social advocacy, and countless other nonfiction topics. His articles, publications, memoirs, and stories are geared towards being a voice for the voiceless. Hoping to reach others out there still struggling.
