Hiding in the basement

sitting in front of a space heater, wearing a toque

Baby, it’s cold outside.

The last few days have been stacked. Activities, expectations, traditions and celebrations, all with a muted toot of festive flatulence.

There was visiting. Rapid tests were going off like fireworks.

Any one of us could distinguish a solid line emerging from a cloudy ooze from a mile away.

So yeah, we’ve done some visiting.

Now?

I’m hiding in the basement. Whittling, sweeping up, and whittling some more.

The children have fled to their rooms.

We are all in withdrawal mode.

It’s nice when it happens to all of us at the same time.

Withdrawal is an essential part of satisfaction.

It’s that moment when we’re full. Satisfied. Had enough - either good or bad. Full. It’s the time where I might want to put my hand back into the cookie jar of life, but my stomach lets me know better.

In the Gestalt cycle of experience, withdrawal happens after contact and connection. It has to, otherwise we become fused. Could you imagine having your sense of self fused to every moment you’ve …