5 Philosophical Questions to Ponder During Quarantine

It’s been a while since I’ve written a post, for purely positive reasons.

The last two months have been a transition into my higher, philosophical self. Spiritual teachers call it transcendence; the process of crystallizing and cocooning into your beautiful butterfly self.

Over the past 4 weeks, I have been in self-isolation. This isolation is different for me. I’ve been alone in my bedroom, in a condo unit, which I share with someone I met just before agreeing to move in. During this time, I have begun to ask more questions about the meaning of life, suffering, and what the fate of the collective is. When philosophical questions arise, I can get anxious, but in that anxiety, I see lessons everywhere.

Thank goodness he has a dog, because I am not able to have my dog with me right now, thank goodness.

Thank goodness, I have my own bathroom, and a balcony attached to my room, thank goodness.

Thank goodness, I’m a 30 min walk from my parents, less if I walk faster and don’t get distracted by snap-chatting the walk, thank goodness.

Thank goodness, I am able to afford rent, thank goodness.

What I’ve learned about myself in the past 20 days.

The amount of fear being projected and circulated in the world and on social media, the news and other consistent sources is tremendous! There is so much panic going around that I have not left my bedroom, not even for a walk, in TWENTY DAYS.

Fear has led me into a spiral of spiritual inquiry, and as a result, some philosophical questions are consistently coming up.

1. Why is COVID-19 here? Why now?

Why now? A lot of people are wondering why now, as they should. It’s and interesting time to be alive, the internet has brought globalization to its peak, and there is more connection throughout the world than ever before.

I often follow spiritual accounts and teachers on instagram, and never have I seen more people discussing the metaphysics of the universe, the 5th dimension, and even on Gaia.com, the leaders are responding to this virus as the most POSITIVE thing to happen so far!

In the time of self-isolation, I’ve been keeping up with the Year of Miracles program featuring Marci Shimoff, and Dr. Sue Morter, as well as Lisa Garr. These powerful women are spiritual teachers who are sharing wisdom of Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, and the beings of Abraham, Ester and Jerry Hicks.

Why are these names important? Well, it’s a far jump to go from philosophy, which is premised in a logical formation of arguments, to the leaps of theoretical quantum physics, and I believe that’s where my particular love for philosophy benefits me.

Philosophers for centuries, have been the mathematicians, artists, scientists, and big thinkers. The mind of a philosopher is born open to more possibilities, more perspectives, and therefore more dimensions.

The world’s mind is opening into new possibilities; a time to slow down, be at home, enjoying the connections of 1993 in the year 2020. As well as allowing us to connect with others in a new way, expanding our minds, to the possibility of more connection, with less space, questioning the whole premise and functionality of the modern industrial world.

Philosophy to activate; existentialism

Existentialism tells us that we have a purpose on Earth. Leading into determinism, and toying with the idea of Divine Will at this point of time on Earth is necessary. If you aren’t aware that there’s more to life than working for money, please keep reading!

2. How are we, as a collective, reacting to a crisis?

From Tesla making ventilators, to Burberry making surgical masks, heck even my mom is sewing masks! Everyone is attempting to do their part to react in a way of service to this global pandemic.

The University of Toronto has transitioned to online convocation ceremonies, as well as cancelling the Homecoming events and alumni reunions. These are large scale events that interact with a lively community that looks forward to attending each year.

Businesses are being forced to cut costs, and go digital. I have post-dated the launch of my online store for intention bracelets due to COVID, but it has allowed me to focus on creating an online presence before offering product, which I’d say is a huge blessing!

Philosophy to activate; optimism

Fear, anger, negativity, greed and pessimism help NOBODY! There is so much fear already going around, there is no need for more! If you are healthy, symptom free and with your family in a space with more than one room for you to share lovingly, there is nothing more you need. Family is the silver lining.

3. What is the meaning of life? Is Capitalism keeping us focused on the wrong things?

The question of the meaning of life is one philosophers have asked, and to me it defines philosophy as philosophy. Pondering the philosophical question of life’s meaning came to me while I was meditating.

I live on the 25th floor, with a balcony that gives me a shiver of fear every time I go on it because of the relatively low barrier. The balcony at the front of my unit, has nothing around it, and someone could easily fall off it.

In this meditation, I was in my bed, about 6 feet from the balcony, and I saw myself jump off it, land on the ground, and then rise above myself.

I woke up in a moment of anxiety, and wondered if it symbolized my past self dying and the awakening of my higher self.

It is symbolic for me, as an intuitive friend suggested it was the collective energy, not necessarily my own.

Instagram is showing us that there is more time to connect with our true selves, because a lot of people are choosing to stay home and help #flattenthecurve.

Capitalism is being called into question, as the United States learns the value of the medical system, Canada is learning the detriments of liberal spending, and other countries are struggling horribly.

A lot of people are losing money due to the stock market crash, being unemployed as schools shut down, and having to transition from a ready set go mind set, to one of a slower pace.

There is no true answer to the question of capitalism. While studying distributive justice, I found myself believing in the power of community, people, and connections more than the power of a business.

There is never a reason to be money hungry, but a reason to find a passion so strong it brings financial gain while serving the collective good.

Kristi Elle

Philosophy to activate; Utilitarian

I watched one of my favourite modern spiritual philosophers discuss her book Judgement detox on instagram this morning. She says in her book, and in many other ways I surrender to the highest good for all.

Asking for the highest good for everyone is considering yourself as part of the collective conscious mind, and thus aligns your being with the higher wisdom of spirit. The unifying factor in all human beings.

4. Where can we learn? Are TV shows, movies, youtube, Tik Tok, and Instagram sources of valuable wisdom?

This question inspires me! I love finding wisdom in the most easily accessible ways.

Using Netflix as a source of wisdom first occurred to me while studying criminal law, and watching Dexter at the same time. Of course, it may not be accurate, but identifying characteristics of sociopaths is simple when they are personified on the screen in such a way that you must continue watching all 7 seasons.

As I grew into my teaching career, I created courses for a small group of students. I didn’t go to teachers college, but I studied how we think, how we learn, and the creation of curriculum for 6 consecutive years.

Throughout that time I learned about the value of watching and thinking critically about what you watch. As a result, I used Netflix in my curriculum for Family Studies, in order to allow my students to identify the key aspects of relationships between groups of people.

There are three simple steps that I believe work for any television program. I would hesitate to use this with a younger audience, and keep it to 14 and up. As the age of adolescent development and critical thinking peaks at around 14-17, it is ok to ask younger kids to ponder the stereotypes and relationships being presented to them in television.

All of this can be done through Socratic Method of discussion.

1. Before watching; ask the child to look at the title and allow them to make assumptions based on the title.
   ~What do they expect the show to be about?
   ~What kind of show is it?
   ~How can this show benefit them? (will it open their mind or numb it)
   
2. While watching; come up with some questions to ask in the first step, and watch once, then watch once more (optional) in order to answer the questions, and add questions if necessary.
   
3. After watching; This is the reflection and self-assessment step. It can be guided or done independently, and should be left up to the student.
   ~ Were the assumptions about the show correct?
   ~ What are three key take aways from that movie/episode/youtube?
   ~ If you were to summarize the episode and tell your friend who’d never seen the show before, what would you say? Can you summarize in less than 3 minutes of discussion?

These steps are utilizing the skills of critical thinking, inquiry, previous knowledge, and communication. All four are philosophical methods and assessed in Ontario Curriculum.

If you are struggling with a child who is needing assistance with the puberty phase, emotions and personal identity, I recommend the movie Inside Out, which is based on psychology and communicates what we call an existential crisis, often seen in adolescents when they are learning to develop their personal identity.

Remember that wisdom is all around us, and the Tik Tok videos your child is watching may be benefiting them by giving subtle wisdom to them in a time when school is canceled.

Philosophy to activate; hedonism

Why hedonism? Isn’t that all about pleasure? It’s important to remember that when we are feeling joy, happiness, and pleasure, we are connected to the highest version of ourselves. Keeping this connection strong is vital to maintaining a growth mindset.

5. Who is important in the system of Capitalism? The Idea of Essential Business

This might be my favourite question to ponder; Who is essential? Which workers have the most essential value in the capitalist economy when shit hits the fan?

A friend of mine, whom I love dearly, gets up and goes to work daily because she is assisting the truckers during a very difficult time. Everyday she puts herself, her son and her husband at risk, and everyday, she does so with a smile on her face.

The government has taken steps to name essential businesses and asked the others to close temporarily. This is a state of emergency. I find it coincidental that Trudeau is Prime Minister at a time of emergency, just as his father was.

So how do we define value? Who is essential and worthy of being at risk while serving others? How important are nail salons, hair salons, bars and night clubs, if there are no people gathering?

These questions are determined based on need, and going back to distribution of resources, based on who is qualified to fill that need. There are many questions within this broad question which cannot be answered in a paragraph.

philosophy to activate; stoicism

In December I watched The Crown on Netflix. It’s fascinating to know that the Queen of England embraced Stoicism as a result of Spiritual necessity. In the show, she struggles with the identity of supreme ruler, and that of mother, sister, daughter and wife. For anyone who is in power, this is a regular struggle that consumes you, for the Queen, she was taught from a young age, that being a ruler requires a separation from herself and her duties. It’s a very Kantian philosophy which leads to a stoic and non-emotional way of being.

The Queen’s responses to COVID have been short, concise and to the point. It’s a time of challenge, self reflection and one which requires great strength.

Remember…

Everyone is at different levels of self understanding, self awareness, and self actualization. No one can get you there other than you.

During my Year of Miracles meeting, Marci mentioned Louise Hay, which prompted me to finish her book The Power is Within You. My mom gave me this book on my 24th birthday, and I remember being offended! I was offended because self-help books are commonly associated with negative behaviour patterns.

When I opened this book, and started reading, I checked the publication date. In 1991, Louise Hay was writing about the AIDS crisis. She listed healing meditations at the back of her book which are transferrable for COVID. She wrote about the opening of the Universal Conscious and how we are headed toward expansion.

So here we are! Expansion is upon us! What are you going to do during this period of chaos?

The choice is yours, even as a spiritual philosopher, or metaphysician, there is belief in pure free will.

I hope you choose wisely!

With love and light,

~~ stay true, stay weird ~~

~~ Kristi