As the world recovers from the Covid pandemic, many of us have become accustomed to working from home. Despite the lift of lockdown restrictions, a significant portion of the workforce still chooses to work remotely. While it may be convenient and cost-effective, there is no denying that it can take a toll on our mental health. Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when we feel connected to our fellow beings. The sense of belonging and achievement that comes from being part of a community is essential for our well-being.
As I looked around the empty office, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing for the hustle and bustle of campus life. The new stand-up desks, meeting booths, and whiteboards seemed lifeless without the presence of people. While putting personal emotions aside, it begs the question: is it really healthy for individuals to choose to work from home and lead a virtual working life in the long term?
However, this week, a few familiar faces turned up at the office, and suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Greetings were exchanged, laughter filled the once empty space, and small talk ensued. It was as if the phrase “久別重逢” had come to life – the feeling of reconnecting after a long separation that makes you feel or understand something that you had stopped feeling or understanding for a while. And it felt good.
The phrase “久別重逢” is a Chinese idiom that translates to “reconnect after a long separation.” It represents the feeling of renewing old friendships or reconnecting with people who you haven’t seen in a long time. The phrase has a profound meaning as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and happiness, reminding us of the joy that comes from reuniting with old friends.
The phrase is made up of four Chinese characters: 久, 別, 重, and 逢.
The first character, 久, means “long” or “time.” It represents the length of the separation between two people who have not seen each other in a while.
The second character, 別, means “separate” or “part ways.” It represents the idea that two people have gone their separate ways for an extended period of time.
The third character, 重, means “again” or “repeat.” It represents the idea of repeating something that has happened before, but with renewed energy or enthusiasm.
Finally, the fourth character, 逢, means “meet” or “encounter.” It represents the act of meeting again after a long time, and the excitement and joy that come with it.
Together, these four characters form the idiom “久別重逢,” which captures the emotions of reconnecting with old friends or loved ones after a long separation. It is a reminder of the importance of human connections and the happiness that comes from renewing old relationships.
To practice the concept of “久別重逢,” follow along with the video demonstration and take a moment to reflect on your own experiences of reconnecting with others.
