As I sit and work from home, and the stillness surrounds me, I think how fast the world is moving in other directions, as most of us sit, self-distant from the outside world. At times like these, someone like me can get triggered by certain anxieties and fears as I sit and work, and sit and work, all in the same house, only seeing the outside by gazing out the window, or by taking a neighborhood stroll. After a few days in on the first go around at this, I really began to reflect on what I need to not only stay sane, but what I need to feel healthy, and happy in the stillness. For example, a candle. It’s something I don’t have at my desk at work in the city, but, I do have candles at my house, and more importantly in my bedroom, where I sit and work. It’s simple, but soothing – and that is something so important when working from home. I need something, simple and soothing. Besides the candle, it could be the comfortable clothes, the sleeping in, and the money I am saving on public transportation ~ I am working to find the positives and be grateful for what I have in a time like this.
What really got me wanting to reflect on this was due to the fact of me having a ‘moment’ during one of these days, and working to get through it, and past it.
The day after I had this moment, I thought to myself, What I need right now is poetry, and if you know me, this is no surprise. Although I usually tend to gravitate towards writing my own poetry to heal, I am surrounded by many books of poetry that provide the same amount of comfort. One book came to mind as I was thinking just this: The Chaos of Longing. I love this book from the cover, through the pages, all the way to the emotions I feel after (I remember reading this book all in one day). I also love books like this, as they are a great reference and re-read when you feel you need a little poetry in your life, while also being a small token to remind you that you are not alone.
I am going to practice thinking, ‘What do I need?’ during the days and weeks ahead, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Jenna DiSanto 