Finding delight in a quarantine is tricky. I find it in sharing with those I love
Recently, an episode of the NPR show “This American Life” focused on finding delight amid all the bad news in the world. The show was based on a book and philosophy by Ross Gay, “The Book of Delights.” Part of Gay’s philosophy is that it’s important to take the time to share the delights you find. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that we could use some delight right now.
Something that strikes me is the notion that delight is something we can find in anything, and it is something we can seek out. When you identify things that make you feel joy, you can look for more ways to get them into your life. I am a mother to three girls currently distance learning due to the pandemic. Normally, I take delight in the silence after everyone else goes to school and work. I’m looking a little harder for things that bring me joy right now.
The other night my husband and I watched “Apollo 13” with our girls, who hadn’t seen it. I have always loved sharing the things that have a warm spot in my heart with someone. Whether it’s a place or a movie or a restaurant, sharing it with someone makes it new and special all over again. We also recently watched “Shawshank Redemption” with our older two girls. Watching them get those glimmers of knowing, and those big feelings over what is happening to the characters, is an absolute source of delight. We now have dozens of movies in mind that we want to share with them. Now’s the time, I guess.
A few years ago I decided those of us who wanted to try camping should try it. It ended up only being me and one kid. I’d never camped before, but reached out to a childhood friend who I knew went camping a few times every year. She and her husband had so many great ideas to help us get started. Through talking, we decided to go camping in the same place at the same time. Next thing you know, I’m spending at least one weekend a year camping with my childhood best friend, her husband and my middle daughter. I have the joy of sharing this special place with my daughter. The joy it brings me on its own. We sit for hours at the fire, trying to outdo last year’s s’mores and telling stories of when my friend and I were 10. Then my daughter and I crawl into the glamping situation that is our tent, which we set up ourselves, because we are strong, independent women. Delight.
I asked some friends where they were finding delight right now. One of them, Trisha Pospisil, is a teacher in Wuxi, China. One of the things she’s loving is how teachers around the globe are coming together to share resources, share ideas and solve problems. Many online options were subscription-based are now available for free.
“The other delight here in China is hearing the kids outside playing on the playground and seeing parents playing games and flying kites. It just makes me think that this is what people here needed ... time,” she said. “China is a country that works so very hard to get ahead and the generation my age are often away from their kids for extended periods. Families have been forced to spend time together in a way that they haven’t in ages. Many of my students have expressed how much fun it has been hanging out with their parents and learning new skills — like cooking and baking — together as a family. I love that.”
In the Sacramento area, Sarah Jean lives in Nevada City, and as usual for her, she is finding joy in nature.
“I always have gotten a sense of peace and harmony when I step outside,” she said. “Yesterday a friend and I put my 30-pound twins in backpack carriers and hiked along a river in the Sierras. There was still snow on the north faces from the last storm but it was melting and revealing budding trees, sprouting grasses and wild bulbs popping up. The sky was brilliant blue and the clouds were so big and bright white. The vibrancy of nature’s colors in these changing seasons felt electric. The sound of the river rapids raging down the steep edge of the mountain canyon felt cleansing for my mind. The vast wilderness and awe-inspiring landscape helped put life into perspective.”
My mom has always described me as easily amused. That really means being able to find delight anywhere. Of course, there have been plenty of times in my life where it’s been nearly impossible to see. But when I’m really on my easily amused game, the delights are everywhere. The first bite of your favorite ice cream. A note, text or message from a friend at just the right time. A great ending for an already good book. Having exact change. The package you ordered comes earlier than expected. If we take the time to notice little delights, we will see more and more of them in our lives. Write them down. Tell someone about it. Take a second to just live in a great moment. We could all use it right now. Delight.