Beijing Bunker: Letting Your Creativity Flourish in Confined Spaces

As Beijing continues to self-quarantine, the stories of how people have been dealing with the coronavirus outbreak – by staying, leaving, or watching on from afar – are many and varied. In Beijing Bunker, we quiz Beijingers on what approach they've been taking to stay safe and sane through the ordeal.

Maintaining a positive outlook while stuck inside is a challenge, but if there's one upside to this whole situation, it's that we've got an abundance of time to learn about ourselves and consider what's really important. Local Beijinger Roselyn Li seized on this opportunity to explore her inner world through meditation and dance, and in the process discovered that besides work and family, it's important to put aside time and space for yourself. For Li, there shouldn't only be air circulating in your room – but also creativity.

Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
My name is Roselyn Li. I’m a local Beijinger and have lived here for 26 years. I’m currently working for a theme park project in Beijing.

Would you consider yourself safe, sane, safe and sane, or other?
I would say safe but not totally sane. Despite needing to go to the office every day and meet a lot of people, everyone is under strict protection and inspection, so I believe there is little risk of getting the virus. However, I’m not optimistic about this situation with the number of patients increasing globally. I’m also saddened by the idea that our prison-like lifestyles will last for longer. Sometimes I have a feeling that the end of the world is coming.

Has the virus disrupted your travel plans or those of your loved ones? How has your life in general changed on account of the situation?
Yes, it disrupted my travel plans during Spring Festival. I used to be independent, going out every day to theaters or to meet friends. Now I spend more time with my family at home.

How have you been spending your time since the outbreak – are there any projects or hobbies you’ve been able to catch up on?
Yes. One positive in this situation has been getting more time to enjoy being with myself and immersed in my mental world. I read books, dance, and watch movies, things that I had precious little time for in the past. Just like how everyone needs to eat and drink, the joy of art and creation is a necessary fuel for my mind.

I also joined a choreography project with the premise of restricting dance and movement to a 1sqm stage. One day, I saw that the sunlight coming in through the window formed a perfect square of light on the floor. I felt inspired and quickly choreographed an improvised dance piece within the square. I looked out to the window during my dance, expressing my longing for normal times. I think my sentiments regarding everything during this period released at that moment.

Have there been any unexpected upsides?
Yes, I have been able to spend more time with my family and my art and creative work during this period. 

What's one thing that you've done that has saved you a lot of hassle/time/insanity?
I think that would be my first day back in the office. I met a lot of co-workers after a long home vacation. The fresh air and the active atmosphere helped me feel like some sort of normalcy was returning.

What do you most look forward to doing once all of this has blown over?
I will meet with friends that I haven't seen for a long time.

READ: Beijing Bunker: "I Go out Every Day for at Least 10 Minutes. I Am Not Counting Beer Calories."

Images: Roselyn Li, Zeus Zou