5 Things That Are Bringing Me Joy in Isolation

These are unprecedented times. Everyone’s circumstances are entirely different, and no one is unaffected. I am currently living in Pittsburgh with my parents. My new home is still in Chicago, and I intend on returning as soon as my place of work reopens and things are safe. My university classes are all online including voice lessons and coachings, and the show I was directing was cancelled. While not having the opportunity to collaborate with others in the same capacity as I previously have, was difficult at first, I have been using solitude to fuel my creativity. Here is a list of five things I’ve been doing with my time that have helped me immensely. 

Disclaimer: I am not telling anyone how to cope with the situation at hand, and I am aware that I am fortunate in many ways. For myself and many, I am most happy when I am productive and focusing my attention on others. Which means for me, in regular life, work and socializing generally bring me the most joy. I can honestly say that the first week of isolation, I took kind of hard. Since surrendering to the “new normal,” I have found some solace. If you can relate to these feelings, then you may be able to find something in here that will bring you joy in this darkness as well.

Teaching virtual voice lessonS

I’ve taken on a few private students since social distancing has been in effect. Educating young voices and fostering their gifts gives me so much joy. Of course, virtual lessons come with a unique set of challenges like a delay in sound, spotty wifi connections, and so forth. However, it’s not impossible. I’ve found zoom is much better than Facetime, and giving students tracks ahead of time, makes a huge difference. I encourage anyone, if they have gifts to share, give lessons or coachings. This is a great way to earn a little extra income in tough times or, if you want to give, offer free/pay-what-you-can lessons.

Practicing Instruments Other Than My Primary and Painting

Not only is this helpful for me creatively, but there is something so therapeutic and satisfying for me to do something with my hands. Singing is a full body activity, and opera singers should truly only practice at the full capacity of their instrument for 60 minutes each day. That being said, I am able to play piano, strum my ukulele, or paint for hours on end. The fine craftsmanship of painting brings me back to simpler times of my childhood when all I wanted to do was “crafts.” And the joy that comes from learning a new song on an instrument and being able to play it well, is a welcome challenge.

Virtual Trivia Night on Zoom

Earlier this week, my friend sent me a Facebook invite for a trivia night over zoom. We formed teams and talked on the phone with our teammates while on zoom with the entire group playing. Then we sent our answers for each round to the proctor via text message. Sounds complicated--- but we each just used the mute feature when we were on the phone with our team. Honestly, it felt like we were all in the same room. We were all laughing and carrying on for hours. It was genuinely the highlight of my week, and not something I’ll soon forget.

Isolated Walk with an Episode of Old Time Radio

I know parks can be crowded right now, but when I’ve found some isolated space, a walk has been aiding my cabin fever immensely. Old Time Radio gives me an added escape. I have mentioned OTR before, but I want to reiterate that I think radio theater episodes are so much better than podcasts. The voices of the programs are massively talented actors, and the storylines are so well crafted. As the main form of entertainment for households prior to 1950, the quality and depth is unmatched by any podcast I’ve listened to. My favorite programs at the moment are Box 13 and Johnny Dollar. Use this FREE app to listen too!

Reading for Pleasure

Okay, so generally, I read for enrichment. I pick up nonfiction and scholarly writing more often than not. As a graduate student, I have little time to read for pleasure. During regular life, I find the most enjoyment out of reading devotionals and my bible. During this time, I have once again been adding fiction and literature to my daily routine and finding a break from scholarly journals and instructional books on voice pedagogy. I recently read the Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. It was a fun read that I was emotionally invested in (something scholarly journals rarely offer). I highly recommend the book along with the movie they made out of it! Amy Tan helped with the screenplay, and the acting is INCREDIBLE. 

Thank you to Stash Tea for gifting me three of my favorite flavors: Orange Spice, Fire Chai, and Coconut Mango! I’ve been drinking so much more tea now that I’m home so much!