How They're Holding Up — Vol. 2
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.
Neada Deters, Founder of LESSE
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I'm holding up incredibly well. All of the small concerns I have in life, even exacerbated as they are now, are just completely insignificant in contrast to what others are going through. The sadness I feel is for them. I have personally never felt more grateful for all that I have— my health, a roof over my head, the love of family and friends.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL-DISTANCING ?
Long walks, reading, almost too much French new wave cinema, lunch with a glass of wine in our garden, screaming my heart out for healthcare workers every night at 8pm.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
The possibility of change. A hope that the US might finally introduce universal healthcare, a desperate dream that this will be Trump's final term.
JESS HANNAH RÉVÉSZ, founder of J.Hannah
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
Doing ok over here! I'm experiencing what it seems like many people are experiencing—pinch me moments of disbelief and major longing for normalcy. My heart's hurting for those who've lost their job or are struggling with their health, or both. With that being said, I'm also allowing myself to acknowledge small joys along the way because they're still there... I mean... who doesn't find joy in organizing their underwear drawer.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
I think my isolation activities are pretty run of the mill, but I've given each one it's own special soundtrack. I'm making time to organize every single shelf in my kitchen, every drawer, every closet.... which I have this playlist for. I'm enjoying walks in my neighborhood and discovering new streets and flowers along the way, which I have another playlist for. For reading in my backyard (most recently Eve's Hollywood by Eve Babitz) and generally slowing things down I listen to this other playlist ️. I'm drawing, dancing, doing yoga. Priorities have definitely shifted since this began. Suddenly reading all day on a Sunday is top of my list...
We are still working remotely so it's not like I have MORE time. The stay at home order has actually created a lot of extra work. So yes there are two work playlists. Working Part I and Working Part II (The latter for really getting to inbox zero). I am responsible for keeping this J. Hannah ship afloat amid instability and doing my best to adapt and provide for my employees so that nobody's income is jeopardized. We're all pulling together really well.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
I think there are a lot of reasons to be hopeful. Most recently I found Margaret Atwood's conversation Cheryl Strayed to be surprisingly comforting, despite her somewhat apathetic disposition — you can listen, here.
Humanity has been through a lot worse and pulled through. She also reframes our present moment as an opportunity, and I think it's right that facing all these obstacles makes painfully obvious some of the systemic problems in society. Hopefully, we can be different and better on the other side of this.
And there are the small things — Killing Eve is back. I'm becoming a better chef...maybe... I'm exploring my neighborhood more at a walking pace.
PATRICK KELLY, Founder of Sigil
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
Having a focus helps. As long as it’s not “business” to avoid sitting with the deeper, inner work we’ve all come face to face with. In the few quiet moments I have, adding some structure to the swirling existential thoughts has helped anchor me in a more objective view of where I sit in the world, to respond thoughtfully, not react. Curiosity is a neutral, non-threatening state. Noticing and naming feelings; choosing actions that align to my values; showing up in service to others. These all help, a lot. But some days I just want to lie under a blanket, eat sauerkraut straight from the jar, and cry. That’s okay, too. It’s the balance that matters. I feel deeply, and then try to channel that emotional data into humble interior inquiry.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
Yoga every damn day. Lots of garlicky greens. I haven’t quite pivoted to baking yet. I’ve been revisiting the SP workbook regularly, and taking self portraits on a flimsy old 35mm point and shoot camera to time capsule this whole experience. For a while I was dancing every night. I think I’ll pick that up again.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
Seeing how much capacity for compassion every human being is capable of. The power of a simple, open-ended question has never been more potent: How are you? Or better, How can I show up for you? Having a global shared experience as traumatic as this has enabled so many folx to more deeply (or perhaps for the first time) explore vulnerability, empathy. If we can carry that forward, the world will be a much warmer, more inclusive, supportive home for the remainder of our days.
EMME PARSONS, Founder of Emme Parsons
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
Trying to stay positive and help support my local community. We've slowed down our production and development which has also allowed me to spend more time with my family which has been a gift.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
One of my favorite things to do is take my four-year-old for drives or walks to find quiet outdoor spaces where we can run around and explore. It's amazing how clean the air is in LA right now and it's especially lush after some heavy rainfall this month.
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
My hope is that the fashion industry will do a hard reset and realize the importance of making less but more thoughtful product.
TIANA PETRULLO, Artist and Photographer
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP ?
I'm grateful – for being comfortable in my home, working as much as ever, and to be accompanied by a partner and the endless entertainment of our three animals. My personal stress level is at a record-breaking low. It's odd for me to feel this fortunate and this makes feelings of empathy that much more overwhelming. When I have extra energy to expend on others, I try to do what I can to help.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHILST PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING ?
I am spending time revelling in what I normally take for granted – tea in the sun on our balcony, long walks with the dog, spring jasmine blooming and hummingbirds outside of our windows. I'm also planning ahead with new glass projects that I can't wait to get to!
WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL ?
This slower life is offering a moment to think about the impact that our actions have on our environment. I see this as a much-needed pause and an opportunity to learn new perspectives. Systemic issues are being broadcasted as loud as ever, and people have time to pay attention. I am hopeful that those who had, until now, never felt like their lives were at the hands of others will learn how to act in solidarity with and fight for those normally disparaged by the masses.
23 - 04 - 20