“Potatoes stored for the winter in a dark cellar would produce small, thin shoots that grew to the distant light of a faraway window”
– Carl Rogers
Man, an optimistic animal, however bad his environmental conditions are, will still strive to grow and develop, just like the potato in a dark cellar. Staying between the four thatched walls during this quarantine is like a ride on the edge of the knife for every individual and family as this environmental catastrophe has instigated a huge social, financial, political, religious and psychological imbalance.
The disruption of normalcy in school and college life, denuded jobs and cut salaries, the anxiety created in the world grappled with this insidious virus, and the psychological scars of social distancing can be just as gruesome. Quarantine like this can result in PTSD symptoms like irritability, anxiety, loss of interest, depression, and insomnia, the effects of which can be enduring.
These uncertainties call for one and all to Think, Change and Illuminate. We must be mindful of each other and show the highest level of self-esteem to enhance self-care and family-care. We need to understand that this devastating process of change can be hideous for all but at the same time, a positive approach can lead one and all to a beautiful and healingly happy destination.
Unable to direct the winds but by adjusting the sails and working from home, introspecting (“looking within”) at this juncture should be held high. “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened” (Lao Tzu). Every positive sprout needs to be recognized and valued through our doors of life.
To incapacitate the unfathomable mental health implications, we accomplish something that we love to do always. By learning from seeing the beauty through silence and melody in nature – birds’ chirping in harmony, domestic animals sharing genuine epitome of love and happiness, and never to forget those front line saviours, real heroes, of this pandemic – doctors, nurses, cops and others who are on duty so that we, ‘citizens’ can relax at home. I have been spending my days of quarantine with research, intrigued by learning new academic writing skills and enhancing the quality of knowledge.
Additionally, taking care and loving oneself, keeping a track of at least five items in To-Do-List such as reading, writing a gratitude journal, and cooking with love, being faithful to work, connecting socially with friends and relatives, rekindling the inner child from withing and having some time for fun are some of the ways to hit the pandemic stress and create positive vibes. Such habits can help us inculcate new psychological strengths such as resilience which can guide one through a blooming path towards a positive quarantine. Instantaneously, it is very much normal to feel detached from oneself or talk to walls and things around.
Simultaneously it is also important to have a check on one’s mental health and move on with thinking soothingly. Any warning signs, if observed, it is always good to reach out for help, like said “Prevention is Better than Cure”, today and forever.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel