Creating your own heaven amidst a global crisis

I enjoy exploring a life of multi-sensory experiences in the physical world, but now that social distancing measures have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seamlessly switched to a virtual world, which can be just as fascinating. I’ve already full filled my criteria for the number of blog posts required for this class and have submitted them for grading, but I’m writing this additional post for those who might find some comfort, strength, light, entertainment, enthusiasm, joy and positivity as we all adjust to a new normal at least for the time being. Someone else blogged about how the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, has temporarily shut its doors, so with one bad news after another, some of us might be susceptible to falling into a downward spiral.

For me, COVID-19 has had minimal impact on my life, even though I love meeting and getting close to tons of different people from all walks of life face-to-face. I also live in high-density cities, have an office space I look forward to going to every day, in a role that requires me to interact with coworkers, partners and many more during meetings. I was working out frequently at my luxury gym, traveling luxuriously, purposefully and frequently, trying out different Michelin Starred restaurants, enjoying public places, and going to popular events, etc.

With such an active life outside the house, how did I transition to one where I haven’t left the house in months? I’ve already been preparing for the robot revolution, so my work, higher education, passion projects, travel, events, relationships, shopping, exercise and dining all over the world already have a deeply embedded digital component to it. I merely transition whatever physical activities that I was already engaged in that I could into a digital universe, and I’ve found the entire process to be smooth and my new world still very enjoyable.

While staying at home is never a challenge for me, and is in fact a much welcome reprieve and peaceful sanctuary from a world full of distractions that constantly vie for my attention, I understand self-isolation can be frustratingly boring to many, as evidenced by rants on how miserable it is to be quarantined.

Here’s what I’ve been doing in a self-created mini-alternate universe that shelters me from fear and sadness amidst this global crisis, while still staying keenly informed, keeping my spirits high and retaining my massive love for life.

1. KPOP Dance Challenges & Modified Cardio/Zumba Workout Versions

High-energy KPOP choreography dances. I’m currently attempting the dances from the biggest boyband in the world. They’re like art. I wrote about BTS in another blog post. Since there There are many tutorials on their dances and I’ve also gone on to try modified cardio or Zumba workout ones. This is more effective than other home-based workouts provided by BodyBoss, GymShark, yoga studios, personal trainers or other fitness boutiques because it is high-intensity so physically demanding but also so fun and engaging because of the catchy music! I am able to stay focus throughout the session and thoroughly enjoy it! Apparently many have feedback that they are able to lose a lot of weight just from consistently doing these for a while. I read some comments where people are losing 30 lbs just from working out everyday for 30 mins using these videos for 3 months.

There are also other cardio/zumba workouts modified according to music from American artistes like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Billie Ellish, etc

The power of camaraderie and community through group exercises doesn’t have to be lost during this quarantine. I continue my fitness motivation and excitement by connecting with a worldwide community of BTS Army. Army is the name of the BTS fandom. I look for #trending dance challenges and upload videos of my dances on TikTok, which is currently the top social media app in 2020, which has an addictive built-in social media network that makes you feel connected to others. There are many who got together for public performances all over the world before the quarantine and I’m hoping to join them and feed off each other’s enthusiasm when the nightmarish pandemic is over.

While searching for this ON cover by BTS to show you guys, I came across a drums version of it as well by this vampire looking Brazilian guy who speaks fluent Korean, English and Brazilian as well! It is heartening to know that there is so much talent in this world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrHi8RrsLgc

2. Learning a New Language

I had another post on learning new languages. I’m currently picking up Norwegian even though it is not in the TOP 10 most important languages in the world due to Norway’s small population but I’m going ahead with it anyway precisely because of it as find it exclusive and exotic. Norwegian takes approximately 22 to 24 weeks for native English speakers to learn. Besides, I already know two of the most important languages fluently. (Mandarin and English).

The reason why learning a new language during this time of isolation is a good idea, is because you get to find communities of people speaking that language instead of being forced to interact with people fluent in your native language. A new language opens up a whole new world to you!

3. Picking up AI/Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence has become so pervasive and will continue to even more so. Honing a tech skill is a solitary affair that requires mental focus, so again, this is a great time to learn a much-needed skillset, or at least eh basics (R, Python) or a subcategory  (Data Science, Machine Learning).

There is a Machine Learning course offered by Stanford University. ML ranks number 1 in the top 12 tech skills hiring managers are looking for.

The instructor teaching the course said that the number of recruiters that contact him asking if he knows any graduating machine learning students is far larger than the machine learning students they graduate each year.

I have started a Github portfolio as well to showcase my application of my new found skillsets.

4. Incubate or start new projects

I have published a London Travel Guide which hit the Amazon Hot New Release.

This is a good time to start publishing more books and other film ideas I have in mind.

5. Reading List

I have a whole collection of nonfiction books that I recommend that gives a lot of insights about the world we currently live in or will live in, that will impact us in one way or another:

• Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
• Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of Human Era
• War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence
• Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood and the World
• Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House
• Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump
• The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google
• The Nanny Diaries
• Primates of Park Avenue: A Memoir

6. TV Show List

Here are TV shows with many Marvel superhero themes may be due to 2019 being the year with most movies of this kind. I also included a lot of themes about overpopulation, futuristic, utopian/dystopian, rich/poor divide themes that expose us to living in a society with advanced artificial intelligence, data science, robots, uploading our brains into the cloud and living forever, etc. There are some romantic comedy thrillers about over obsessive lovers using social media to stalk us.

• Riverdale
• The Great Hack
• Ragnarok (Because I’m learning Norwegian)
• Altered Carbon
• The Punisher / DareDevil / Jessica Jones / The Defenders
• 3%
• The 100
• Legends of Tomorrow | Titans
• Gotham
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
• Travelers
• The Arrow | Flash
• You
• Are you human?
• Travelers

7. Strengthen relationships

We live in a world of instant gratification, information and sensory overload with a constant stream of stimuli, which may make us more prone to multi-tasking and less mentally present when we’re in the presence of loved ones. Now, that we’re at home with lesser external distractions, we can take this opportunity to spend quality time with the people who are living in the same quarters as us and listen intently to them, have deep heart-to-heart talks and even come up with creative bonding activity sessions since we’re all gonna be staying indoors in such close proximity for a while anyway. This is also a great time to catch up with far-flung relationships scattered all over the world through the latest tech apps such as Telegram, Signal, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Quora, TikTok, SnapChat, Zoom, email, etc. These social networking platforms have been invented and gained massive traction for a reason. They appeal to the human desire to connect with others and in times of great need like these, make us feel close to each other through a safety screen.

In conclusion, I’ve been so caught up in my little piece of heaven that the COVID-19 pandemic seems surreal. I don’t cook either so I’ve been completely dependent on food deliveries. There is no need to clean up afterward either.

I have so much faith in the human will and ability to adapt, evolve and emerge stronger through changes! I would love to hear what has been keeping you busy, productive, healthy and happy during this period!