THOUGHTS ON ISOLATION
An issue about limits wouldn't be complete without at least mentioning the one so many of us have been facing over the past few months. We asked for your thoughts on how this period of self-isolation has affected you, and what you've learned from practising this unusually limited way of life.
“Creativity honestly is zero right now, I’ve only been able to focus on 1+1=2 kinda tasks. It’s been rough because 80% of what I do involves going out there and interacting with other people. So that’s kinda why I started a Facebook Live Session for True Complexion. At least that keeps the content going and the community engaged.”
Rozella Marie, musician and founder of True Complexion
“Contrary to popular opinion, I personally have been enjoying this period of self isolation. I am seeing this as a time to take a step back and re-examine what is important to me in life, what I love about the life I am living and how I can use this time to build closer connections with people around me. Of course it isn't all perfect. I have taken a significant cut to my income with reduced hours but I am learning to practice gratitude in my everyday life. From time to time, I do miss going out and being involved in activities without restraints but I really am appreciating the beauty of silence and stillness in this time. If I can sum up my thoughts, I would say, this is a time for reframing the way we see life as we know it, being thankful for every given day and knowing what's important to us.”
Rachel Morais, musician
“Self Isolation vs. Me
Self isolation is a big, bad thunderstorm
but I said
not all storms come to disrupt your life
some come to clear your path.
Self isolation steals my life in all ways
but I said
I will remain grateful for the life I have
and value everyone and everything
that is part of it.
The universe has reminded us to slow down
so let’s give it our ears and celebrate
but let’s not forget
to always keep our lights burning brightly.”
Satyavathy Sivam, actress
“Self isolation has shown me how easily things can change. Suddenly there’s uncertainty in what the future holds and all your plans stand a chance of not going as you imagined. I do feel good about the future and know that great things await, and I will be even more aware of not taking things for granted, and enjoying the moment.”
Max Villefrance, business leadership associate
“Isolation was honestly very tough in the beginning. It was the constant fear. Fear of leaving the house. Fear of getting sick. Fear of becoming a hazard to others. Fear of not doing the right thing. Fear of something that is out of our control. This wasn’t an emotion that I was accustomed to feeling in such large quantities and for such prolonged periods of time. It was overwhelming in the sense I had to make informed decisions and take care of myself, but when no one can give you any answers I was left feeling a little bit helpless.
“At the same time though, it was liberating to be able to be put in a situation (albeit unwillingly) where I knew I could rely on myself and in the end everything would be okay. I realised how far empathy and compassion can go and the borders it can transcend despite people not being together physically. This has definitely been my coping mechanism in overcoming a lot of the anxiety I felt after my housemates moved out and I was living alone. I met some wonderful human beings who despite this tough situation, chose to love and be kind to others.
“I started to love being with myself and love myself a whole lot more. It made me put away facades that I’d presented to the world and to just be 100% honest with myself and with the people around me. I stopped giving myself so much shit and just let myself be. I realised I was a whole lot more capable than I gave myself credit for. Although it was difficult to come to terms with the state of the world, I have discovered isolation need not be as melancholic as it seems. Amidst all the limits we are placed under, we still can find freedom from within, not without.”
Chloe Sim, anthropology student
