A Simpler Life with Less Social Pressure: Day 44
Day 44: May 9, 2020
Global cases: 4,098,298; Deaths: 280,224
Egypt cases: 8,964; Deaths: 514
Ghada ElShimi
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
and Academy of Liberal Arts
Core Curriculum Director
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
It is hard to believe that we have been in partial lockdown for seven weeks. What started out as a precaution that we believed would sort itself out in a few days has now stretched into weeks, with no end in sight. I’ve been reading about the need to reflect on meaning, and thought I would never have time amid endless online meetings and an onslaught of associated work tasks.
But it turns out that the mind has a way of making its background narrative heard, even if the holder is quite busy.
I’ve always perceived myself as an introvert, totally content to keep myself busy and enjoy the company of books and other silent companions. In this involuntary lockdown, I am surprised by my yearning to connect, and how I miss people I wasn’t even aware I enjoyed spending time with. I miss the campus buzz, nodding to colleagues and students as I rush from one building to another, and the natural navigation of space without attention to social distancing norms.
Connecting with technology works for transmitting information, but it strips communications of non-verbal cues, side chats, eye contact, physical contact and so many small details that make a big impact in feelings of belonging to a community. I am developing a new appreciation for extraverts and will revise my self-definition (slightly) to integrate this newfound need for being in the same room with students, friends and colleagues.
At home, we are also putting down some new routines. My children are unexpectedly not complaining about being inside. I actually think they like it. They remain virtually connected to their friends, but we are also spending more time in conversation together.
For The Caravan‘s previous diary entries in Arabic and English go to our COVID-19 Special Coverage page.
After long days of virtual meetings, everyone is Zoomed out and ready for some tech-free time. Evenings are spent mulling over current events, reminiscing about childhood memories, idle sibling banter, and sometimes charades. No one has to get up and go somewhere. Ramadan is as beautiful as ever, but this time more serene. I feel like we have been transported to earlier times, when life was simpler with less social pressure.
If I could keep one pandemic feature for good it would be the 9pm evening curfew.
The gift of the pandemic is increased reflection time, and an imposed slower pace that we did not seem to be able to achieve voluntarily. Gone are long commutes, and frantic rushing from one place to the other. Unusual uncertainty causes us to raise questions of ourselves we are usually uncomfortable to ask.
If we were to depart suddenly, would we have lived well? Are we focusing on what’s really important? Are we mindful of our activities, or have we been caught up in a whirlwind of modern activity that pushes our priorities to the sidelines? At first, the loss of autonomy, social connection and doubting our competence to deal with this was unsettling.
It brought feelings of resistance and impatience to return to our familiar state of normal, where we do not have to converse with ourselves on difficult questions. Slowly, this has given way to a slower and more purposeful style of doing things to accommodate some answers to our questions.
I relish the reminder that we are not in control, no matter how advanced and researched our world is. The feeling of surrender brings me much humility and relief. This is where I want to be.
