Well the second wave has hit here in Melbourne and with that we are back in lockdown. It took me a few days to get my head back into this space, but last lockdown I came up with a plan that worked for us and I’d like to share it in the hopes it’s helpful.
I so enjoy celebrating the seasons with the kids and during a low point I had the idea that maybe I could apply that same enthusiasm to the Corona lockdown lifestyle….let me explain. As we can deepen our connection to nature and the seasons through activities, stories and crafts we can enrichen the lockdown experience and hopefully keep it from feeling oppressive through nourishing homelife. I’m envisioning a little forest creature creating a cozy den for winter.
There are 5 steps:
Bring the outdoors in: Do a nature activity that brings the outdoors in. We’ve been doing a daily activity using locally foraged materials that we find on our daily walk.
Foster a connection to world:
-Notice the sun and moon’s rhythms during walks or even from the window. This connecting to the planetary rhythms is a soothing activity especially during uncertain times and can help us feel connected to the world as a whole. Adults can extend this activity to include study of the 7 planetary model of Rudolph Steiner.
-Interact with the elements through Water, with baths or water table fun (I’ve been putting crystals and shells in the evening bath and the kids play for at least 20 minutes). Fire, tend the fireplace, have an outdoor BBQ, or do an activity working with warmth (see the rock painting activity bellow) Earth, sandpit play, tend a garden or houseplants. Air, movement to music, yoga and breathing exercise or windy walks outside. Working with the elements is a way to add interest to the day, to keep us balanced and feeling connected to the earth even when enclosed in our little homes.
Maintain connection to community:
-Hide painted rocks in local parks for other kids to find.
-Draw chalk rainbows on your sidewalk or hang friendly greetings in your windows.
-Meet friends for exercise walks
-Start a freestore, or little book library or visit the ones in your neighbourhood.
-leave presents on friend’s doorsteps
-Send letters
Find the joy in homemaking activities:
-Cooking, baking, washing, and tidying. These are also a way to interact with the elements through water and warmth. For inspiration read, “Spiritual Tasks of the Homemaker, by (has some great insights but is very euro centric and sticks to strictly assigned gender roles)
I do 1 main chore per day, plus general tidying and meals. I include the kids in things like chopping veggies, baking or washing the floor. If the children are having a rough one I let the chores slide and do them during show time (full disclosure we do watch ABC kids sometimes)
Flights of Fancy:
Do something that gives you a window into another reality. Kids are experts at this through imaginary play. When there is a lull in the play I like to do storytelling, or a felted puppet show. In the evening if I’m not too tired I’ll create that window by reading feminist literature with a glass of wine.
HeartSong 