Towards the end of April, a friend of mine, Kevan Breitinger, felt strongly that the 40 days of quarantine we had just endured couldn’t all be for nothing and so invited some people to answer three questions about their experience sheltering-in-place. The result, a raw, real, and uplifting exposé came together as a wonderful little book, entitled 40 Days in the Hole: Self-Care in the Time of the Corona Pandemic. I was one of the honored invited to contribute.
So why this name?
When she realized she had been in isolation for that many days, Kevan was reminded of the significance of the number 40 in numerous spiritual practices.
* Both Jesus and the Buddha are said to have started their ministries with a time of testing in the wilderness that lasted 40 days.
* The Prophet Mohammed fasted for 40 days in a cave.
* Muslims today fast and pray for 40 days during the Ramzan period.
* Christians fast and reflect for 40 days between Lent and Easter.
* Hindu and Zoroastrian communities include 40-day periods of prayers.
The number 40 also carries within it the idea of completion, as in 40 weeks of pregnancy.
As Kevan admits, “My own story is a bit less illustrious, so my first thoughts went to jail slang and song lyrics about 40 days in the hole!”
Whatever, I think it’s a catchy title to summarize a variety of perspectives and experiences that manage to remind us that, although we may be apart, we are #alonetogether.
Purchase your copy from Amazon for only $9.99. You’ll likely recognize parts of yourself in this collaboration, and perhaps close the book feeling inspired and encouraged.
Sounds fascinating. I would really like reading it someday.
I am a certified Reflexologist through tha International Institute of Reflexology ( 1996) I haven’t been able to practice in many years but hopefully I will again, soon. I am also going to work on a logo through a company called Davison for not only Reflexologists but for other holistic services. A feel great shirt, coffee cup, bumper stickers and I hope more. I am 55 years old and life is too short. I have had many hurdles to jump over and even now and I woke up. Once I have a plan on my logo theme, I want to try and get a GoFundMe going to raise money through many different Reflexology organizations. All the best to You and everyone associated with You.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Mike. I hope you do decide to pick up a copy of the book. It’s so heart-warming. Good luck as well with your proposed new business!