“In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Go ahead, take a look at reality. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience. You’re going to die anyway. Things are going to happen anyway. Why shouldn’t you be happy?” 

-Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

Whether you are officially quarantined or not, take advantage of this precious opportunity to be away from others, and find some time for self-reflection.

Instead of hanging out with friends or family, hang out with yourself. Instead of watching Netflix, watch your thoughts. Instead of listening to the news, listen to the nonstop insanity of your mind — and realize that you are not your thoughts. Instead of drowning in worries, float in hope. Instead of following social media, follow your heart.

Spend some time in meditation or contemplation. Ask yourself who you are and what makes you you. Ask yourself how you are feeling and who feels your feelings. Ask yourself what you love and what you fear. Reflect upon the state of humanity and of the Earth and of your relation to the rest of existence. Question your values and whether you are living within their parameters.

Quarantine yourself with excitement, anticipation and curiosity. Set yourself up for a personal retreat to get to know yourself. Pretend you’re a monk and arrange a makeshift cave to help you feel at ease. Enjoy doing nothing or find something to do that brings you a sense of peace, joy and acceptance:

Watch your breath.

Nourish and move your body.

Spend time with animals.

Plan(t) your garden.

Read a book or two or three or ten.

Draw, paint, color and sculpt.

Sing or play an instrument or, better, both.

Send good thoughts or words to friends, enemies and strangers.

Write until you have nothing left to say.

Dance until you’re rolling around on the floor laughing at yourself and at how ridiculous this all is.

By distancing ourselves from the energy of others and using this unique time and space for developing self-awareness, we will become more loving and compassionate humans and, in turn, make the world a more loving and more compassionate place.

(Plus, there are these two contagious diseases — fear and COVID-19 — that we can prevent from spreading…)

May your alone time be of benefit to yourself and others!