We are all in this crisis together; but for each one of us there are unique challenges that we face. Although the circumstances surrounding our quarantine vary widely there are also similarities; perhaps the biggest one being the isolation we are experiencing due to social distancing. As we seem to be in this for the long haul, I would like to address the issue of isolation and how it might be redefined and reshaped into the creation of a sanctuary in your home.
Flying Solo
I live alone. I am not a pet owner, and up until now I have not had very many plants either since I apparently suffer from a condition which I shall refer to as chronic brown thumb. I live in the suburban community of Sherwood, Oregon in a one bedroom apartment, in a complex for those over 55; so it is basically very quiet most of the time. My daughter, son-in-law, and three young grandchildren live only a couple of miles away, but due to the pandemic we are not seeing much of each other these days. And when we do get together it is with social distancing, masks and for brief visits, only. Apart from quick shopping outings for food and household goods, this pretty much sums up my in-person human contacts since March 12, 2020. It would seem that this isolation might have pulled me down into a very lonely existence, and yet it has not. In fact, during this time of ultra-solitude I have been discovering some new and wonderful things which I never thought I could do, and I am growing emotionally in ways that seem to have eluded me in the past.
I attribute this inner peace, joy and emotional healing to the benefits of having discovered the sanctuary within my home. My morning begins when I wake up, make my bed, and have a quiet moment with the Creator in my prayer closet. I journal, ask for guidance for the day and express gratitude for all that I am thankful for. Then I wash any stray dishes left in the sink from the night before, fix breakfast and sit down to do my morning writing.
Prayer Closet
In the corner of my bedroom I have created a sacred space, known as a prayer closet. Using a very lovely Japanese screen room divider, it gives a cozy feeling of intimacy and seclusion from the rest of the room; and the rest of the world. I have filled it with a few pieces of small furniture, books, crystals, paintings, figurines, drums, religious and other sentimental items, and journals. I truly feel the presence of God when I am in my prayer closet, and will use it as a place to pray and meditate, as well as to do some journaling.
Journaling
A very healing thing to do whether in seclusion or not is to write down your thoughts and feelings in a notebook. A journal can be based on the daily events and activities of your life, or it can have a theme or a specific purpose. For example; if I find myself struggling to overcome a challenge in my life either related to health, a relationship, or money, it always gives me clarity to write it down and reread it. Sometimes it even helps more if I read it out loud to myself or even to a trusted friend. Writing it down on a regular basis gives me a record of progress so that I can review it now and then, see how things are going and reassess whether or not any changes need to be made in my thoughts or behavior towards others. Oftentimes, it is also a great sense of relief just to express the things that are troubling me and to get it out of my system.
Veggie Hothouse
As I mentioned above, I have never had what one would call a green thumb. Try as I could, plants just never lasted too long around me. But for some reason, at the beginning of the quarantine a nagging voice inside of me said, “Plant an indoor vegetable garden… woman!” So I answered back… “OK!” And lo and behold; I am now growing zucchinis and tomatoes in the window of my living room! I talk to them every day, pat them on their little heads, sing to them, tenderly call them my babies… “Baby Maters and Baby Kinis” … and say “good night” to them before turning in at the end of the day. It gives me enormous pleasure to be taking care of and growing these beautiful living things, and I can now no longer truly say that I live alone!
Standing Room Only
For those of you at the other end of the COVID quarantine spectrum, that is you live in more of a crowded house situation, your challenges will take on a somewhat different tone. My family and friends have all been sharing their experiences with me regarding their need for personal space and a little private time to themselves; as a part of being with their loved ones on a non-stop, 24/7 basis. They also have shared their feelings of missing all the other loved ones in their lives and not being able to reach out and touch or hug them. As for myself, when I am out shopping and run into someone whom I happen to care about, my heart just aches to be able to drop my mask for a moment and give that person a warm smile.
Creating a private and personal sanctuary in your home is still possible even when you are living with others. My 10 year old granddaughter Ivy has created a cozy little tent for herself which I will let her describe to you:
First you have to have a structure. It has to be stable enough to fold a blanket over it. Then you have to have a sheet or a light blanket which you can unfold and put over your structure… so you basically drape it over. Usually it will stay up, but it may be slippery so use clips from a chips bag. You need something soft for the base because the floor can be hardwood. Then you will need some comfortable pillows, stuffies or extra blankets to make it extra comfortable. Comfort is key! You can also put in a stool to have something to sit on.
Usually on the inside you can add extra pillows and blankets if you want to sleep in there, and you can add little LED lights on’ the top. Personalizing it makes it more cozy for yourself, or you can make it to have a little more function such as using some books to make a stand for your tablet or phone. Or, you could just bring in a little basket so you can read.
Ivy’s wisdom:
Me: What does the fort mean to you?
Ivy: It is a fun way to spend my time and you can hang out and relax in there. It is my own little private house.
As Ivy finished creating her fort, she pulled two chairs in front of her (for privacy), lay down in her fort, curled up and rested.
Journaling and getting involved in a special interest is also something anyone can do, especially when you use it as a retreat in your own sacred space. Each one of you in your home needs to honor and respect that space and allow each other to have your needed alone or down time there. This may be more of a challenge with small children at home, but that is where taking a walk outdoors can also be very beneficial.
Gently Heal Thyself
The most significant way that I have grown emotionally during the COVID quarantine is in the completion of my book, Gently Heal Thyself. I am so grateful to my brilliant and talented editor Leanne Sype and all the wonderful people who work for Balboa Press for their time, encouragement and generous support. It has been a monumental time in my life to finally get through this project while at home in COVID seclusion; having it ready for publication shortly.
During these challenging times and within your sanctuary; may you all find peace and joy, and discover some blessed new insights about yourself and your sacred life.
Blessings, Sylvana