14TH DAY OF MY SOCIAL
ISOLATION
851 POSITIVE, 20 DEAD
General feeling: “Not so much of
paranoia anymore. Coming to terms with what it is and what it is likely to turn
into. I am not sure if acceptance has eased out the fears or numbed them
altogether. Around me, I see more and more people acknowledging the seriousness
and novelty of the situation. Across the world, people are now speaking up. Of
lack of early measures. Of lack of tools and tests. But sooner or later we’ll
all have somethings to regret and somethings to forget.”
A twisted turn came to the fear
already created by the novel Corona virus when Twitter blew up with the mention
of 2018 K-Drama Series called ‘My Secret, Terrius’ which has evidently spoken
of the Corona Virus exactly as we know it today. The 2-14 day incubation
period, the respiratory symptoms, no known vaccine or cure and handwashing as a
preventive mention. All of this is a series that was released about two years
back and now playing out for real in 2020. It was freakishly scary. Seemed like
the movie ‘Inception’ rolled into the series ’Black Mirror’ to me. This was the
last piece of information I fed myself with, before sleeping last night. Not
the most apt thing to read to put oneself to peaceful sleep but information
overdose is my thing these days. Especially on Corona.
Tells me that if I’d ever decide to
do a PHD, it would be on socio-psycho responses to threats created by our
beautiful modern world of greed and power. The tribal populations were banished
for distracting us with importance of ecological balance and bio-diversity. We
chose to ignore them for our misconstrued world views and irrational unfounded
fears about power struggle. I am referring to capitalism. I am referring to
communism. I am referring to world orders that we abide by today.
On a personal front, today was
much better. I woke up to attending several work calls through the day, sending
emails and checking out decks after decks. There has been such a work load
these days, while staying home. Apart from household and usual work, people
have this weird idea that we have a lot of time at hand and we can take up
courses, pursue hobbies, talk to people, listen to music and do everything else
in the world that there is to do. Honestly, there isn’t enough time. This time
might as well be used to slow down and do those things we find joy &
meaning in and not really a plethora of courses or activities.
Everyone’s trying to keep
themselves engaged. Family WhatsApp groups have strange emoji quizzes going on,
while our HR has begun a challenge in which you need to send pictures of
yourself doing the activity –of-the-day. Calls & online-courses have also
become compelling. Friends have found apps on which we can play games and do
fun things. So much camaraderie and virtual gathering for what? To address our
fears of loneliness? Or the pertinent need of purpose and participation?
Let not this period tire us down.
I am only trying to make commitments that I can keep and those I care for. This
time is teaching me to value what I must and ignore what I can. It’s building
patience and resilience. For a future, I hope I can see with moist eyes and a
warm heart. A future which has alive, all those we love. A future we’d like to
step into.
The conspiracy theories against
China are abound on the Internet. There is so much content around the virus
that it’s nearly impossible to wrap one’s head around it. An option is to
ignore and dive into your comfort of not keeping up with the news. To enjoy the
solitude of your bedroom and watch fun happy stuff, binging on cheese &
chips. Many are opting for the same. I guess its okay. To each his or her own. What’s
not okay, however, is to act like it’s just a three week break and everything’s
going to bounce back to normal in a snap.
Mind you, with this pandemic, I
can’t even begin to articulate the width of the change that we all may
personally undergo. Some of us may take time to realize it but it’s happening
to us right now, right here. We may re-evaluate our life decisions, our life
choices. We may realize who we truly love and what we truly enjoy. And we may
take steps to lead a life more fulfilling than we already have.
An ex-boss and a dear friend had called
today to check on me. It’s always such a joy to have a conversation with him. I
have been blessed with great bosses in general. He’s super smart and I usually don’t
have much to say that he already doesn’t know. But today came a moment of pride
when I shot some facts on Corona that he hadn’t kept pace with. I am okay to
enjoy this cheap thrill which equates information to intellect. Deep down I
know, it’s not true. But I deserve my moments, especially these days, right?
Anyway, I am glad I was able to
write something somewhat neutral today. Anything not bordering on depressed or
morbid is quite an achievement for me.
Happy to sign off with lesser
fluctuating emotions.
Before I go, would like to
show-off my new writing space J
Until tomorrow, Let’s pray for
those who need it the most.
