How They're Holding Up — Vol. 1
As a global collective, we are traversing such upheaving times amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Friends of Self Practice, from all over the globe, share with us how they’re holding up, what they’re up to whilst practicing social distancing, and what — amidst all the hurt, pain and devastating change — keeps them hopeful.
FRAN MILLER, Founder of F.MILLER
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
Overwhelmed, both with uncertainty and with heart-swelling gratitude for the support we've been shown. Stressed but remaining positive and thankful for health, family, food, and a roof over our head.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL-DISTANCING ?
Self-isolation comes somewhat naturally to me since I already work from home so it's the same, but different. My days consist of making product batches, shipping orders, and staying connected with my suppliers as things rapidly change. I've been trying to take more breaks throughout the day, whether it's for a short walk with my partner and our dog, lunch away from my computer, or an IG Live dance class.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
The acts of kindness, unity and support we're witnessing globally. The resiliency of the collective human spirit.
RACHEL SAUNDERS, Ceramic Artist
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I’m well. I’ve hit a little dip and plateau in caring for myself these last couple days, but I’ll get that figured out again soon. As an artist, life in quarantine is not a huge reality shift for me, and the majority of my struggles have comes from thinking of those who are affected most by this mess. I’m trying to use those feelings proactively and stay present even when I want to numb out to all of this. I feel like we’re all moving into a new chapter now as we near the second week and it’s going to get a little tougher for us. So I want to make sure I’m not distracting myself too much from the process as a whole or hindering my own healing.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
Having vivid sex dreams, baking bread, listening to beautiful music, shedding the false layers of self I’ve acquired after too many years of equating productivity with personal value, watching nice films, crying in the bath, researching and making lists on actionable ways to help at a distance, engaging with my community seemingly more than ever, dreaming up the most true-to-me life I want to live going forward, looking at memes.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
The togetherness I’ve felt in our community and the immense lifting and shifting and sharing and caring I’ve seen.
Getting the gift and chance to change the many toxic constructs that we all uphold from this very sobering experience. Seeing people tap into their innate and diverse gifts. Taking the lessons as the come and keeping a macro-lensed perspective.
RYAN LOPES, Creative Director
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I am holding up pretty well. While realizing the potential of everything moderately. Bits of routines, practices, as well as check-ins and then those hours/days of complete nothingness. I definitely took for granted the true meaning of balance, and now it feels reborn and gentle.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
While social distancing I am, applying a little extra love into my eating and skincare routines. I am also reading, lighting lots of candles (sandalwood and amber), incense as well. Facial masks daily, herbal infusions and writing prompt/adding to my notes section in my SP workbook. I've been fortunate to receive so many goods from makers and brands who create with intention, so I've been indulging in what was has been provided with love in better times.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
Communication and family. I've been super connected with those who I love in this moment and that is all that matters. For those who aren't close to family and loved ones in this movement, consider the elements around you and your home that contribute to feeling loved and valued. I'm certain that we within the beautiful SP community have strengths in those areas of connectivity within our spaces, so now is really the chance to admire what you've worked quite hard for.
BOBBY CLARK, Artist
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I'm ok, I think. My son James was born just over 8 weeks ago and having spent the majority of time at home with limited visits from family and close friends, I feel like I have been eased slowly into self isolation. I am feeling lonely and really missing my family but we are safe and I am thankful.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
Enjoying and rediscovering home. I'm not really a home body. I love being on the go so it has been an adjustment, even pre-covid19 remaining at home postpartum was a challenge. I've learnt to focus on the small things and have been going on a morning walk in my favourite park (All nations, Northcote) with James and our dog Scout with a warm coffee, then spending the rest of the day painting where I can, cooking and clearing clutter at home. I've also been using this time to reconnect with people I have fallen out of touch with.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
The resilience in us all. My husband Steve, the new smiles of James and a shit ton of Tony Robbins.
GLORIA NOTO, Founder of NOTO Botanics
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I'm alright! Truly practicing taking each day by day. When I start to spiral, I grab myself back and say " right now, you are good, you are okay." And diving deeper into gratitude.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
Taking very very long walks outside. Spending extra time on my skincare now that I have the time. Taking long baths. And working. I know this is not always the best thing to admit, but work gives me a sense of grounding calm. Therapy has helped me not to solely rely on that as an escape, but to be honest, it's been helpful. haha.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
The deep sense of community through all of this. Supporting one another and knowing that this is global, so that NONE of us are alone in this. Connecting through that in some twisted way has shown me how much we need to support one another.
25 - 03 - 20