What an opportunity! Most of us are either in forced or elective quarantine. What if we used this time to learn, create and be inspired?
Could there be a blessing inside this moment?
Think of it like an extended Sabbath/Shabbat.
Some suggestions about how to make the most of this time – and let’s share with each other:
- Create a list of books you have always been waiting for a “rainy day” to read. Which one will you read first? We are reading Sapiens out loud to each other. Or get an audiobook from the library. ** Here’s a booklist of recommended books that thousands of people sent me from January 2020. Enjoy.
- What music gives you the most uplift? Create a playlist of songs that you love. Here’s a healing playlist I created on SoundCloud. (It’s mostly Jewish music but you don’t have to be Jewish to listen and love it!) ALSO – I created a YouTube COVID-19 playlist from suggestions of friends. You can find it here.
- Have you always wanted to learn to meditate? Now is a great time! I have some meditations at Insight Timer and there are thousands there. Here’s one of mine on Lovingkindness. (I also teach meditation if you want to learn. Contact me for more information.)
- What skill would you like to learn? There are thousands of courses at Skillshare. I’m taking a class on Ipad Lettering 🙂 Knitting? Photography? (I created the Breathe image on my Ipad! I love lettering)
- Cooking! If you love to cook or bake, what might you make?
How do you plan to spend this moment of quarantine? Might you use it to expand yourself creatively in ways that you might not have otherwise? Please write what sounds good to you in the comments below.
Rabbi Jill
Because I can work from home I no longer need to spend 2 hours daily driving. This allows me to have 2 more hours with my spouse. Also I will have more energy so I might do some painting.
You are a gem and a light in the world.
As you are dear Chava ❤️
Couldn’t come at a batter time. Thank you!
Please, please use some of the time for supportive phone calls and e-mails. There are people sitting shiva in isolation. Think about that. Be there for them.
There are small businesses at risk of closure because of the debts they will accrue for lack of sales. No one is asking landlords not to collect the rent. Whenever possible buy locally. Don’t let this become the moment when major corporation kill all of their competition and leave our neighborhoods commercial deserts.
An interesting vignette on social distancing advice by an illustrious rabbi in 1831. https://rabbidunner.com/a-distinguished-rabbi-responds-to-the-threat-of-a-pandemic-in-1831/
Thank you for this!