Courtney and I used to be next-door neighbors in our small adjoining cottages along the side of the country road. Until she and her boyfriend found a bigger apartment nearby.
Surprised to see her behind the counter in the village convenience store, I'm curious to learn whether she's still working in the call center up the road, as she was due to start there after she moved out.
"Oh no. I gave up that job. I was fed up with working from home, sitting looking into a computer screen all day, seeing no one," she says.
It got me thinking. The pandemic forced thousands of us into remote working. And there were pluses, no doubt. Released from the grinding daily commute meant more time at home with friends and family, for those who had them.
Now it's a thing, full-time and hybrid. How many of us are spending endless days sitting in our kitchens or bedrooms looking into computer screens? Maybe never seeing a human being from one end of the day to the next - especially if we live alone.
For us introverts, it seems fantastic. No need to give out all our energy in noisy, crowded, open plan offices or turbocharged conferences.
"Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering." -Brené Brown
While Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom were undoubted lifelines saving hundreds and thousands from the pain of a total solitary confinement lockdown reality, the truth is, existing primarily in a virtual world is no substitute for IRL, the real deal.
A post-pandemic visit to a university friend in Greater London pops into my head. She's been working for a local authority for years. Covid-19 lands and she's working from home, five days a week.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers? - Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda
Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda, and realizes the importance of removing fear from our hearts in order to nurture our children.For young women like myself, who are future mothers, I trust we are on the path of becoming selfaware and brutally honest with ourselves. We are creative beings, never forgetting the gifts with which we have been bestowed— the love and tenderness, natural instincts, and intuition to feel the right path. It all lies in the mysterious meanderings of the heart. Are we really listening to our hearts, or confusing the bombarding information on social media with reality?
Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”
Victor Kannan explores the process of aging, with a focus on aging gracefully. How can you be at peace with yourself as old age approaches? How can you develop maturity in behavior and focus on life’s best interests?
Portrait Painting
FABIO KOHLER is an artist and musician.
The Mountain of No Return
SARA BUBBER tells a beautiful Japanese folktale on valuing wisdom and experience and asks you to do a personal reflective exercise.
By Acts of Love
CHRISTINE PRISLAND shares her love of books, good storytelling, and a particular author that inspires and delights her
The Difference Between Trust and Respect
DR. ICHAK ADIZES shares some thoughts on the nature of mutual trust and respect, and why we can trust without respecting, and respect without trusting.
A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet
DAAJI explains why a plantbased diet is good for your health and well-being, and for the planet. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Yogic science is very comprehensive on this subject, and now medical science is catching up. Daaji then challenges us all to do an experiment for three months.
International Cities of Peace
J. FREDERICK ARMENT is in conversation with CHRISTINE JONES about his organization, International Cities of Peace, as well as other ways he promotes peace in the world. The foundation of it all is the importance of relationship, community, and love. This is the first of a series of conversations.
THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE
SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.
Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE
NIROOP PRABHAKAR owns and runs the restaurant 615chutney in Nashville, Tennessee. 615chutney started as the only Indian food truck serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free South Indian food. Niroop's goal was to bring South Indian cuisine to the US. He believes that customer service is the key. The voices of his customers and employees matter to him. Here he is interviewed by the Heartfulness Wellness team.
