The ups and downs of the fallow time.

Since March we have been living in the ‘fallow time’, isolating, being home and slowing down. The term the fallow time seems quite appropriate. We all have need this time on an individual basis but it is quite remarkable to observe this across all our communities and indeed globally.

The farming of leaving a field in fallow is an ancient practice to rejuvenate the soil. However, modern practices have tried to get around having to leave productive land lie for a season through the use of additives and ‘smarter’ crop rotation. Yet apparently at some point the land needs to just lie without crops for some time. 

It has been easy to romanticise this time out to rest and recover. Families are spending more time together, kids are getting off their devices (apparently) and experience nature, and being imaginative and learning new ways of doing things. The creative side of humanity is getting more coverage and that is a good thing.

That is part of the upside of this time. I have certainly enjoyed slowing down and learning a new daily rhythm and routine of bike rides around the river, more time on the guitar, more home cooking, reading, and reaching out to people more frequently.

Of course we haven’t been in hibernation – we are still working and living but in an altered state. The reality is that it hasn’t been easy nor the same each day. Emotionally there are times when motivation vanishes and lethargy creeps in to take over the day. The enthusiasm to work wanes when there is a day without talking with a colleague and looking at the screen becomes way too much. When nothing is coming back why give so many hours in to it?

Sometimes these oscillations happen within a few hours sometimes longer. Everyone seems to be enduring this it seems when the conversation gets raised. And what now, when restrictions are being eased and there are increasing expectations for a return to the external world busy-ness? Yes there is some excitement but also a tinge of sadness that I need more time out- I haven’t tended to all those things that need attending. I need longer in the fallow time.

Photo: Waiting.