When you replace ‘why is this happening to me’ with ‘what is this trying to teach me, everything shifts.
Yes, Sydney is in lockdown till end of September. And most of us are expecting it to continue into October and maybe November.
A curfew commences this evening for 12 of Sydney’s local government areas. Fortunately, this does not apply to where I live.
We are proceeding well towards the 70% vaccinated target, but even then, we still fear some restrictions will remain. The realisation among federal and state governments that elimination of Covid Delta variant is well-nigh impossible. Once we get vaccinations to a certain level, the dilemma for politicos and medicos becomes ‘how do we live with it’.
I feel in a sense of suspended animation spinning around. It stops only when I happen to recall a project that requires my full attention. And then, I’m quickly back to earth, motivated, and nose to the grindstone.
I make good use of the hour of outdoor exercise allowed each day and make my way down to the park walk along the harbor foreshore. On occasion, I use a park bench for exercise, but more often than not, I just take in the newness of Spring or talk to the birds.
I can still gather my wits together and follow a recipe, cook something unusual, and sit and enjoy it watching the 6 PM news. But in these first nine weeks, I’ve given up alcohol, except for on my birthday. I don’t know how long I want to hold out now.
Apple tells me that my iPhone usage is up. That’s probably an easier outlet for the expiation of nervous energy, ahead of picking-up the telephone.
Early to bed these evenings, propped-up warm and snug on three pillows, I thank my lucky stars that I have food and shelter. Then succumb to episodes of Netflix that help me to pass away postpandrial hours till sleep descends.
The lockdown requirements allow for one nominated singles buddy, just one person who can visit. I’ve chosen a good friend, with dog. We share a meal and chat each week. I’ve always liked to nurture long-standing friendships over a sandwich or a drink, but with lockdown these life-giving moments are simply ‘on hold’.
I love escaping to the bed with a pot of tea on a tray at any time of day or night. and there’s always more in the newspaper to read. Or simply putting it down and having a nanna nap.
After doing a Covid test this afternoon, I am in self isolation until the end of the week. This is a requirement for two different routine procedures I’m having at St Vincents hospital later this week.
A ‘white diet’ for one test recommends jelly and ice cream. I’ve just stirred the prescribed yellow-colour jelly crystals and put it in the fridge. Soon, I’ll be hoeing into the tub of creamy Bulla vanilla ice cream as well!
“What is this trying to teach me?”
Reading through some articles this weekend, I ask myself ‘what is this trying to teach me’.
It’s not necessarily about being deprived and shut away in lockdown at all.
Even though my human plans and busyness might be denied me in lockdown, and I often forget what day it is, I’m given a rare opportunity to purge myself of mere earthly longing. I can enrich myself with a good book; find time to contemplate the things important to me in the years of life that might remain. The good Lord tends to find me in these quieter reflective moments, and we have a chat.