@gabrielagiovanardi

Model

Toronto, Canada

How are you living the quarantine: fears and dreams? 

I have far many more hopes than fears regarding what’s happening. Awareness would be the keyword. We live in a culture, globally - but especially western society, that is so intent on distraction. For instance, you go to a restaurant ad there is loud music playing and five TVs on, all showing different programs. It’s all about distraction, rather than encourage us to sit quietly and being with each other, and ourselves. We live in a culture that tells us pain and discomfort should be erased from our lives at all costs when the reality is, they are part of the human experience as much as joy and bliss are. The end result is we don’t know how to sit with our own selves, with our thoughts and emotions, because the minute we get uncomfortable we try to distract ourselves with something, an activity or a substance. Instead of looking inwards, we look outwards. To the extent where most of us identify with what we do so much, we don’t even know who we are when the activity/ distraction is taken away from us. My purpose at this time is to do my best to see the opportunity behind the hurdle. Make the best out of the inability to distract me with jobs, travels, company or activities of any kind. Looking inwards and learn how to sit with my thoughts and emotions. Even when it's difficult. Know thyself... 

What is your soundtrack?

Live in Paris (1975) by Pharaoh Sanders - because it’s a concert but sounds like a party, 18 by Moby, Lonerism by Tame Impala, and the 1996 MTV Unplugged by Alice in Chains.