Readers may recall from my comments on the Australian Constitution 4 June 2020, that I have recently been a guest of Her Majesty in the right of Tasmania. Hospitality was provided by Her Grand Chancellor in Hobart. I was able to celebrate the Birthday of Our Sovereign Lady during my 14 day stay. I am now happily at work in the fields, harvesting this year’s olive crop.
As well as shielding the people of Tasmania from mainland contagion, the sojourn also served a number of salutary personal purposes, which, I hope to carry into my gregarious life on the outside.
Here is my list.
1. Routine. Life in lockdown is punctuated with three brown bag meals each day. You can set your clock by the rap on the door and the call of “room service” along the corridor. Routine is refreshing.
2. Nutrition. You cannot, you must not, deviate from the contents of the brown bag. We assume it has been planned for balance and good health. Cereal and fruit for breakfast, soup and roll for lunch and a carnivorous, pescatarian or vegetarian choice for dinner. No snacking other than leftovers which, like manna in a wilderness goes off beyond a day. Good choices made for you.
3. Exercise. Screen based exercises are a convenient routine each morning and access to the exercise yard each afternoon ensures systems are in optimal shape. And there is time for it.
4. Circadian Rhythms. With light breaking into the room at sunrise and darkness creeping in just before the dinner knock, a consistent rising and relaxing is easily maintained.
5. Wardrobe. Who are you when no one is watching? Best not to be perpetually in pajamas, but no need to dress to impress when comfort is your only judge.
6. Connection. Social media platforms are sufficient for a short sentence and the distance from the screen is less than the physical distance required in the real world.
7. Reflection. When there is routine and less distraction, there is time to reflect, to read, to pray.
8. Acceptance. You can’t control everything, especially not the Premier of Tasmania. So why rage against the bureaucracy? Dissipated energy.
9. Avoidance. I admit it. There are some chores and people that you can avoid in lockdown. But they lie in wait to devour you later.
10. Adapt. So you have some constraints? It’s not what happens to you, but how you respond. Count your blessings. Some are locked up without a release date. And that’s worth marching in the streets to address – but please wear a mask.