The pandemic gong has been reverberating throughout the atmosphere and is far from abating. Basic human activities of livelihood, education, socialization, consumption, commutation have been reorganized to a virtual phenomenon. The paradigm shift rewards us with more ME time but requires us to be discerning in our thoughts and activities. So that we remain healthily bound in body, mind, and soul.
I have been largely successful in finding a daily balance between the necessary evil (work that embodies teaching, researching and writing) and indulgences including daily skincare routine, bodily stretches, long walks, reading, and watching dramas. Other than enjoying the aesthetics of things and the creativity in dramas, looking out for the messages conveyed is my telos. At times, I procrastinated writing them down and ended up spending more time finding the episode that relayed the message. Friends said that I am stimulating my inner stressors in a supposedly relaxing indulgence. Regardless, it sparks joy in the process of finding meanings in a guilty pleasure that is time- and attention consuming. One odd message seems very deep to me: A good parent is one who stays healthy. A good parent shouldn't endure pain and save money for their children. It invokes self-remembrance.
Pray that 2022 will not be a 2020 too. Two years on, the pandemic season should increase our civic mindedness to protect ourselves and others. Our health has become more vulnerable than ever.
