I’ve learned several new words during this time of quarantine. One of the most interesting is “estivate.” This is the summer equivalent of hibernate. Animals (and humans) that estivate sleep through the warmer months, much as animals that hibernate sleep during the colder months. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in humans, estivate can also refer to those who spend the summer in one place.
This seems to describe many of us this year. Although I know several people who have taken day trips around the area or even traveled further by either car or plan, many of us hunkered down in March or April and have been more or less estivating ever since.
Listlessness or Torpor
A second new word I’ve learned is acedia (a·ce·di·a /əˈsēdēə/). Oxford online defines acedia as “spiritual or mental sloth; apathy,” and Wikipedia as “listlessness or torpor, of not caring or not being concerned with one’s position or condition in the world.” However, a more interesting description comes from Inc., that suggests acedia refers to the seizing up or freezing of feeling many people are experiencing in these times. It was used in the early Medieval period to describe an affliction suffered by Christian monks. Inc. said, “A 5th century theologian described sufferers as ‘horrified at where he is, disgusted with his room … It does not allow him to stay still in his cell or to devote any effort to reading.’ He confronts ‘bodily listlessness and yawning hunger as though he were worn by a long journey or a prolonged fast … Next he glances about and sighs that no one is coming to see him. Constantly in and out of his cell, he looks at the sun as if it were too slow in setting.’” (https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/productivity-motivation-northwestern-acedia.html?cid=search)
Introvert’s Revenge
Perhaps you have found this time of estivation comforting. In a recent conversation, I suggested that perhaps one lesson that could be learned from this time is for all of us to learn to discover on our inner introvert. Our society seems to value extrovert behavior, often encouraging introverts to get out more or just put themselves forward. But often these activities are difficult and require a certain level of mental and emotional effort that other people may not understand. Often introverts would rather stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet of being alone.
These past months have turned the tables. Now everyone is encouraged to stay home and enjoy their own company, or that of their immediate family. Just as introverts have in the past been encouraged to call on their inner extrovert, now, perhaps, it is time for extroverts to discover their inner introverts.
What about You?
I think it’s helpful to have words to describe these feelings. How many of us have suffered (and perhaps continue to suffer) from acedia over these past six or more months?
So, the next time you’re in a Zoom meeting and someone asks how you are you can say, “well, I’ve been estivating for a long time…” or instead saying you’re feeling stressed you can say, “I’ve been suffering from acedia.”
What do you think? Do these new words help you describe your current feeling or give you insight into what’s going on with your family and friends? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.
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