Power outages.
When was the last time you experienced one?
For many in Massachusetts, it was likely this past Friday. My home lost power on Friday evening, and we were fortunate enough to have it return by the time we woke up on Saturday morning. I know that many others will not be that lucky, however, and that your power may still be out while you are reading this.
Power outages are inevitable because of storms, wind, dead and wobbly trees, electric malfunctions, and any number of other reasons.
We may groan initially when the power goes out. It means no more TV, limited computer and phone time, limited ways to make food (no microwaves, toasters, etc.). For many, losing these modern conveniences presents a large problem: what do I do with my time now?
I experienced these same emotions when our power first went out last week. But after we’d lit some candles, I noticed just how quiet it was. There is something to be said for a perfectly quiet home, where you don’t hear the voices on the TV, or the inherent buzzing of any number of electronic devices or lights. This extreme quiet is not something we generally try to achieve, but I would argue that when it comes, it presents a silver lining to an otherwise inconvenient experience.
Soon after, there was a fire in our fireplace, and my parents and I were huddled around it, enjoying each other’s company. We talked about our days and admired the complete darkness encompassing our street.
The alternative, had our power been on, would’ve been sitting in front of the TV, watching a show together. This does provide some sense of comradery, when you are all watching a TV show you enjoy together. But aside from the offhand comments made in response to what you’re watching, there isn’t much talking. Certainly not about your days or other personal topics.
We ended the night by reading (and eventually falling asleep) in front of the fire. It’s not often that we have a fire in our fireplace, and I treasured it. It was cozy, peaceful, and comforting.
We are always surrounded by dozens of electronic devices, and often rely upon them to do our work, to navigate to places, and to make food for ourselves. It is nice, every once in a while, to lose access to those devices that we tend to think we couldn’t live without, and to go back to a more simpler way of living and entertaining ourselves.
So next time, when your power goes out (or, as you are reading this, if your power is still out), I challenge you to enjoy and embrace the peacefulness that power outages bring. Read a book, light a candle and start a puzzle, or strike up a conversation.
And maybe, when the power comes back on, amidst the excitement and relief, you’ll feel just the slightest twinge of nostalgia for those hours you spent in the dark.
