在隔离期间,我发现自己仿佛回到了学生时代,有了一种重新掌控时间的奇妙感觉。最初几天,我有些手足无措,习惯了日复一日的通勤和会议,突然间被塞满了大把的空白,反而有点不适应。但很快,我便开始探索那些曾经因为“没时间”而被搁置的角落。
我最先沉浸进去的是阅读。我从书架深处翻出了好几本一直想读却没能翻开的书,有那些被誉为经典的外国文学,也有一些关于历史和哲学的小册子。 mornings became my reading sanctuary. I'd wake up, make a cup of coffee, and settle into my favorite armchair by the window, letting the words wash over me. The world outside might have been in a state of flux, but within the pages of these books, I could travel to different eras, inhabit different lives, and engage with profound ideas. It was a deeply grounding experience.
Besides reading, I also rediscovered my love for cooking. Before, meals were often quick affairs, grabbing something on the go or throwing together a simple pasta. But now, with ample time and a wellstocked pantry, I began experimenting. I’d spend hours poring over recipes online, looking for new challenges. I’d try to recreate dishes I’d enjoyed in restaurants, meticulously following each step, from chopping vegetables to simmering sauces. The kitchen, once just a functional space, transformed into my personal laboratory. The smell of garlic and onions sautéing, the gentle sizzle of meat browning – these simple sensory experiences brought a surprising amount of joy. I even started baking bread, the entire process from kneading the dough to watching it rise and then finally pulling a golden, crusty loaf from the oven felt like a small triumph.
To keep my body and mind engaged, I also incorporated a good dose of physical activity. While I couldn't go to the gym, I made sure to create a routine at home. I’d follow online yoga classes every morning, focusing on stretching and mindful movement. In the afternoons, I’d put on some upbeat music and have a good dance session in my living room, letting loose and burning off energy. Sometimes, I’d even do a brisk walk around my neighborhood, always maintaining social distancing, of course. The fresh air and the feeling of my muscles working were invigorating, a muchneeded contrast to the sedentary hours spent reading or cooking.
And then there was the digital world. I made an effort to connect with friends and family through video calls. It was wonderful to see their faces, hear their voices, and share our experiences. We'd have virtual coffee dates, watch movies together online, or just chat about our days. These connections were crucial in combating the sense of isolation. I also dabbled in online learning, taking a few short courses on subjects that interested me, like photography and creative writing. It was a way to keep my brain stimulated and learn something new.
Overall, this period of enforced downtime became an unexpected opportunity for selfdiscovery and a rediscovery of simple pleasures. It was a time to slow down, to appreciate the present, and to find fulfillment in activities that often get pushed aside in the rush of everyday life.