Monday Minute #7

The Object Lesson

I went on a solo walk in the rain. A soggy pile of books on the sidewalk caught my eye. One lay open to a page with the title, “object lesson.” When I got home, I looked up the meaning of the phrase:

• “a striking practical example of a principle or an ideal”
• “a concrete illustration of a moral”
• “an action, situation, or event that demonstrates a truth.”

It got me thinking: What is the object lesson of this lockdown experience? What are some truths that maybe we keep avoiding, overlooking, or resisting?

A while ago, a caring therapist guided me through the most challenging trauma of my life. She encouraged me to “tolerate the discomfort.” It was tough, but that advice worked. I eventually healed, emerging stronger.

Maybe now, the object lesson is to identify our discomfort, untangle it, and then grow.

• Do we feel discomfort in our solitude? Why, exactly? Maybe this is a chance to shed whatever armor we wear outside and get to know — and be okay with — who we are inside. What are we noticing that we really like about ourselves?
• Do we feel unease in not having instant access to stuff? Let’s note, though, how we’re doing more with less. Can we nourish ourselves, exercise, or be entertained with simplicity rather than complexity?
• Are we bristling at limitations on our movement? But, maybe we don’t need to escape on the subway, a plane, or another adventure to feel happy or inspired. Can we explore forgotten corners of our living spaces? Can we expand our wingspan through writing, art, music, or another creative endeavor?
• Does our disquiet stem from our lack of control? If we’re addicted to having all the answers, or knowing what’s next, maybe this is a lesson in humility and trust. Let’s pause, listen to, and learn from others with different experience and expertise.
• Do we feel agitated at having to wait? Possibly, an exercise in patience. Hopefully, when we come out of this, we’ll be better at savoring and elongating moments. Life won’t pass us by in a flash.

In our homes or outside today, let’s notice object lessons.