An extrovert point of view on the current situation...

[TonyP-]

So my mind is running an ugly gauntlet lately, I’m sure it has for several people, this is not easy for anyone worldwide. This is not a ‘woe is me’ post, I don’t do that. What it is rather, is just an observation on what I’m doing to deal with it. A performing extrovert who is not a homebody.

For years with online culture I have seen countless periodicals directed towards introverts and how to deal with X and Y social situations. Well, we are now experiencing something that is effecting extroverts and especially ones that cannot perform and earn from it. My gym is closed down now as well and that is not just a physical release for me, but also a much needed mental one. This is not about not having toilet paper, but observing how one’s own mind can go from feeling great to feeling marooned on a Desert Island within a day. In addition you think a boat might be coming by in 3 weeks to take you off that island BUT you’re not quite sure. All you hear in your head is different stories & voices that say how this ‘situation’ is nothing and other voices say how catastrophic it is.

Some of my musical friends know that before this was happening I was looking to rent a small commercial facility for Pre-Production and rehearsal for various projects. Well that is on hold now.

How I’m dealing with this ‘situation’ in no particular order is as follows.

-Not falling into a super unhealthy diet (just slightly lol)

-Keeping up on a workout routine, even without a gym (Weighted vest, open ocean paddling, surf when there is any and some minor investment into more free weights)

-I’m writing down what I do every day. Actually keeping a planner on what I worked on and what is next. Sort of a desert island sanity check.

-Purging… I’m not a collector of instruments but I’m literally tripping over basses in my little studio space (be careful what you ask for, the universe might give it to you). I’m selling all my excess instruments. If I’m not professionally endorsing the company or it has a very specific purpose, then off to a better home. The same goes for all the audio gear that I’m not using at the moment. I already starting doing this and it feels great.

-Since I’m putting the commercial space on hold, I decided to take the funds from above and somewhat create that environment right in my own home. My couch in my studio space will be gone and I’m putting a kit in there. It will be tight but it will work. New computer, interface for recording ect,...I should be able to film and broadcast ‘Tiny Desk’ style concerts in my basement.

-I’m spending some time with my family outside, fresh air and not cooped up inside.

-Learning software skills…(More with DAW, Editing, ect…)

-Reading as much as I can and staying the hell away from most media outlets.

I wish you all the best and when this is all over I’m having one hell of a party at my place.

See You there…

 

[Oddly]

Sounds like you're dealing with all this the right way...not letting it get you down, keeping busy, and staying optimistic.

As we say in Ireland, keep her lit!

 

[dougjwray]

It's interesting to hear an extrovert's perspective. It sounds like you've got some good ideas about how to handle the current situation. Let's hope the social distancing doesn't stretch to 18 months-- I saw a "some scientists recommend" headline to that effect yesterday.
As an introvert who has enough going on inside his own head to remain entertained almost indefinitely, I'm more alarmed by the economic repercussions of this whole thing. Will we have another Great Depression?

 

[TonyP-]

It's interesting to hear an extrovert's perspective. It sounds like you've got some good ideas about how to handle the current situation. Let's hope the social distancing doesn't stretch to 18 months-- I saw a "some scientists recommend" headline to that effect yesterday.
As an introvert who has enough going on inside his own head to remain entertained almost indefinitely, I'm more alarmed by the economic repercussions of this whole thing. Will we have another Great Depression?

I have to admit Doug...That I do like my alone time as well...Just not all the time lol
When I can was 16-20 I practiced 2-6 hours everyday and I'm a solid reader BUT not gigging and not being around having your usual stimulation is like a drug withdraw.

 

[el jeffe bass]

My wife and I are both highly introverted, really enjoy staying mostly to ourselves. I have never thought about what it must be like to be extroverted and having to isolate. I hope that you can find some measure of satisfaction communicating with others by phone and using resources like Talkbass.

 

[JRA]

when this is all over I’m having one hell of a party at my place. See You there…

 

[two fingers]

So my mind is running an ugly gauntlet lately, I’m sure it has for several people, this is not easy for anyone worldwide. This is not a ‘woe is me’ post, I don’t do that. What it is rather, is just an observation on what I’m doing to deal with it. A performing extrovert who is not a homebody.

For years with online culture I have seen countless periodicals directed towards introverts and how to deal with X and Y social situations. Well, we are now experiencing something that is effecting extroverts and especially ones that cannot perform and earn from it. My gym is closed down now as well and that is not just a physical release for me, but also a much needed mental one. This is not about not having toilet paper, but observing how one’s own mind can go from feeling great to feeling marooned on a Desert Island within a day. In addition you think a boat might be coming by in 3 weeks to take you off that island BUT you’re not quite sure. All you hear in your head is different stories & voices that say how this ‘situation’ is nothing and other voices say how catastrophic it is.

Some of my musical friends know that before this was happening I was looking to rent a small commercial facility for Pre-Production and rehearsal for various projects. Well that is on hold now.

How I’m dealing with this ‘situation’ in no particular order is as follows.

-Not falling into a super unhealthy diet (just slightly lol)

-Keeping up on a workout routine, even without a gym (Weighted vest, open ocean paddling, surf when there is any and some minor investment into more free weights)

-I’m writing down what I do every day. Actually keeping a planner on what I worked on and what is next. Sort of a desert island sanity check.

-Purging… I’m not a collector of instruments but I’m literally tripping over basses in my little studio space (be careful what you ask for, the universe might give it to you). I’m selling all my excess instruments. If I’m not professionally endorsing the company or it has a very specific purpose, then off to a better home. The same goes for all the audio gear that I’m not using at the moment. I already starting doing this and it feels great.

-Since I’m putting the commercial space on hold, I decided to take the funds from above and somewhat create that environment right in my own home. My couch in my studio space will be gone and I’m putting a kit in there. It will be tight but it will work. New computer, interface for recording ect,...I should be able to film and broadcast ‘Tiny Desk’ style concerts in my basement.

-I’m spending some time with my family outside, fresh air and not cooped up inside.

-Learning software skills…(More with DAW, Editing, ect…)

-Reading as much as I can and staying the hell away from most media outlets.

I wish you all the best and when this is all over I’m having one hell of a party at my place.

See You there…

Thank you for sharing this! I was starting to think I'm the only one!

This is driving me a little nuts. But I'm trying some mindful practices to try to get through it. I'm an extrovert of the highest order. I'm a hugger. You have to TELL me if I'm in your personal space because personal space hardly computes with me.

I seek out people. I feed off of others. I even like people who completely disagree with me because I see them as learning/mind-opening opportunities.

Interacting with other humans is my favorite hobby.

I'm using this time to get even closer with my girls. We took in a park yesterday. (No, I didn't cut my hair. It's tied back.)

I pulled out and greased up the old Total Gym and a few other pieces of workout gear since my gym is closed too. As soon as the pollen dies down a bit I may have to run some sprints. I'm trying to find a good video yoga instructional series.

Yeah eating healthy is a challenge when you're home more. (I know that seems counterintuitive. But when the fridge and pantry are ALWAYS a few feet away, it takes more discipline to keep from stuffing your face out of boredom all day.)

Short version: I feel you Tony.

As a Red Sox fan, maybe I'll come up for the party and take in a game when this is all over. Then we'll take our hungover @$$es to the Italian district for some pizza and then hit Modern Pastry for some good coffee and something else bad for us.

I'm ready to hear thousands of people go nuts after the crack of a bat. I'm ready for your calendar to be slammed with gigs. I'm ready to go to some festivals. I'm ready to high five, fist bump, and hug people.

Edited to fix multiple thumb typos.

 

[TonyP-]

Thank you for sharing this! I was starting to think I'm the only one!

This is driving me a little nuts. But I'm trying some mindful practices to try to get through it. I'm an extrovert of the highest order. I'm a hugger. You have to TELL me if I'm in your personal space because personal space hardly computes with me.

I seek out people. I feed off of others. I even like people who completely disagree with me because I see them as learning/mind-opening opportunities.

Interacting with other humans is my favorite hobby.

I'm using this time to get even closer with my girls. We took in a park yesterday. (No, I didn't cut my hair. It's tied back.)
View attachment 3750428 View attachment 3750429 View attachment 3750430

I pulled out and greased up the old Total Gym and a few other pieces ofnworkput gear since my gym is closed too. As soon as the pollen dies down a bit I may have to run some sprints. I'm trying to find a good video yoga instructional series.

Yeah eating healthy is a challenge when you're home more. (I know that seems counterintuitive. But when the fridge and pantry are ALWAYS a few feet away, it takes more discipline to keep from stuffing your face out of boredom all day.)

Short version: I feel you Tony.

As a Red Sox fan, maybe I'll come up for the party and take in a game when this is all over. Then we'll take out hungover @$$es to the Italian district for some pizza and then hit Modern Pastry for some good coffee and something else bas for us.

I'm ready to hear thousands of people go nuts after the crack of a bat. I'm ready for your calendar to be slammed with gigs. I'm ready to go to some festivals. I'm ready to high five, fist bump, and high people.

Dude...You might be my Brother...

I have 2 girls as well 9 soon to be 10 and 11.

Everything you said rings a bell with me.

Your not alone.
-Tony

 

[Nedmundo]

-Purging… I’m not a collector of instruments but I’m literally tripping over basses in my little studio space (be careful what you ask for, the universe might give it to you). I’m selling all my excess instruments. If I’m not professionally endorsing the company or it has a very specific purpose, then off to a better home. The same goes for all the audio gear that I’m not using at the moment. I already starting doing this and it feels great.

I had started exactly the same project just before everything hit the fan a couple of weeks ago, and there's a large pile of gear in the den ready to move on. I typically sell locally on CL, so the actual selling is on hold, but I have plenty of time to think about more stuff I could sell. I'm on the fence about my studio monitors, but the more I ponder, the more I lean toward unloading them.

I'm using this time to get even closer with my girls. We took in a park yesterday.

No better way to spend time than that! We're doing the same, though one of the girls is actually our niece, who's been evicted from her college dorm in Upstate New York and moved in with us. She's grown up entirely in South Africa, where my brother has lived since 1998, so this is a wonderful opportunity to get closer to her. We took in a park with her yesterday, namely the area around the Philadelphia Museum of Art along the Schuylkill River.

I'm an introvert, but like socializing (within reason, of course ) and value getting out into the city every day, so I miss the action. And I definitely miss baseball!

 

[mrcbass]

Interesting perspective - I'm quite the opposite and aside from the disbelief of all the hoarding and misinformation, self isolation is rally no big deal for me. I live a pretty solitary life anyway (band stuff is pretty much my social life) so it's just a bit annoying. Yes I am still working with a trio project, so maybe not as isolated as others, but I'd be fine even without that.

 

[Bass Viking]

staying the hell away from most media outlets.

Great advice! We need to stay positive at a time like this, not listen to the fear mongering the media engages in:

"Things are going to get worse before they get better!"
"We could see millions of deaths in this country!"
"World wide recession on the horizon!"

Etc., etc.

 

[kesslari]

Thanks for sharing this, @TonyP-
Hang in there. For me - little change except not going to the gym, not going into the office 1 day per week (if I wanted to that week), and not rehearsing/gigging.
Other than that, as a work-from-home introvert with two disabled family members (and a lot of animals) to care for, living in the woods - little change.

Find ways to satisfy your need to connect with others. Skype, Webex, Zoom - meet with others on as high-def a video connection as you can manage. You can't smell them (sometimes a blessing!) but you can see them, talk to them, get some of that non-verbal communication as well as written/spoken.

Stay well, and hang in there.

 

[Spidey2112]

I'm still holding you to the burritos and coffee, Tony...

... I'll bring the Tums.

Adapt and adjust, as best as you can folks... we wouldn't be here today, if we hadn't...

... I still think the dinosaurs got a raw deal.

 

[TonyP-]

I'm still holding you to the burritos and coffee, Tony...

... I'll bring the Tums.

Adapt and adjust, as best as you can folks... we wouldn't be here today, if we hadn't...

... I still think the dinosaurs got a raw deal.

 

[GregC]

Great advice! We need to stay positive at a time like this, not listen to the fear mongering the media engages in:

"Things are going to get worse before they get better!"
"We could see millions of deaths in this country!"
"World wide recession on the horizon!"

Etc., etc.

The first two are things that leading pandemics scientists are saying (and were saying back when others were claiming everything was fine). The latter is something that's pretty unavoidable at this point, at least for the short term. The media would be irresponsible to not report those things and highlight them. Is that fear mongering? As a former member of the media, I don't think so. I also think it's everyone's responsibility to stay informed.

That said, I don't endorse reading/listening to the news flow on the virus for hours on end. That's not healthy, IMO.

 

[Passinwind]

I'm still holding you to the burritos and coffee, Tony...

I recommend the French press. And some soft walls to bounce off of. Trust me on this...

 

[Bass Viking]

The first two are things that leading pandemics scientists are saying (and were saying back when others were claiming everything was fine). The latter is something that's pretty unavoidable at this point, at least for the short term. The media would be irresponsible to not report those things and highlight them. Is that fear mongering? As a former member of the media, I don't think so. I also think it's everyone's responsibility to stay informed.

That said, I don't endorse reading/listening to the news flow on the virus for hours on end. That's not healthy, IMO.

IMO the media is giving a one-sided view of the situation. But I definitely agree with you that watching the bad news for hours is no way to live.

 

[GregC]

IMO the media is giving a one-sided view of the situation. But I definitely agree with you that watching the bad news for hours is no way to live.

Agree to disagree on the first part. I wish the media had been more direct about the risks earlier, given the knuckleheads crowding beaches, Disney, and bars until very recently.

 

[210superair]

It's good to read everyone taking it in stride, as best as we can anyway.

I'm generally an introvert as well, other than once or twice a week having a whiskey at my local watering hole with a few musician buddies. I do miss that. But I'm still working since I'm in the food manufacturing biz, and i've been getting a lot done around the house. Me and the boy put our dock in Sunday morning, and it was only 23 degrees, lol, so I guess we're definitely bored!

 

[Bass Viking]

All you hear in your head is different stories & voices that say how this ‘situation’ is nothing and other voices say how catastrophic it is.

I have a blood pressure monitor and I've noticed my blood pressure is a little higher than normal. Between all the doomsday predictions, my investments plummeting, etc. it wouldn't surprise me if there's a cause and effect. I do try to relax by going for long walks, having a beer, playing some bass but this state of uncertainty is always there.