Temporarily social-distance yourself from laundry and dishes

Greetings,

Back again for some more lightness and love amidst this global health crisis. I read a post on Instagram this morning that encapsulates the purpose of this email. It stated, "you can be happy, hurting, and healing at the same time." The point being, there's no right or wrong way to feel. Feelings may linger or move fleetingly. You may be feeling everything all at once. 

We all process things in different ways, even before the onset of COVID-19. And now, there's amplification on how we feel, think, respond, and engage. Sentiments are real. Grief is real. Humor is real. Distraction is real. Monotony is real. All are welcome and worthy at your designated pace.  

While there's no shortage of online chatrooms and social media feeds, Zoom sessions, and "fireside" chats, or mounds of dishes and laundry... there's still space for you to take a break. Here are a few ways I'm doing that this week.

If you want to keep your hands and mind preoccupied:

-Gucci published an online game center designed by Yuko Higuchi. Apparently, for kids, but I can't seem to hack these puzzles. Let me know if it works out for you.

-Hand stitch your favorite characters and accessorize every corner of your home with all the creations you've compiled. Starter kit not included with the digital pattern downloads. 

If you appreciate joy and beauty:

-Of Rare Origin has hatched new quarantine Queens from their collection - make new friends. 

-Before jumping on your email or newsfeed, try easing into your day with a live-stream of Old Faithful. 

If you want to make weekend plans: 

-Schedule or impromptu a mini-edit… One thing at a time - start with your sock drawer. The 4-minute sock purge is a manageable place to begin while providing immediate gratification. It's easy to tackle compared to more extensive parts of your closet/home. It's cathartic and practical – no more mismatched socks floating around! All you have to do is pull everything out of your sock drawer and place it on the ground. Immediately remove socks that are missing their partners, then sort into categories (dressy, everyday, athletic, novelty, and so on). Remove tattered, stretched, or damaged. Scan the types and ask yourself if you need eleven pairs of black knee-high's, or if seven pairs of grippies are overkill. More on this here. 

-Progress through episodes of your favorite shows. I'll be streaming the final season of Schitt's Creek and starting the latest Killing Eve. Can Villanelle top her previous sartorial statements? I think, yes. Unorthodox on Netflix is scheduled to kick off the following week. Followed by The Good Fight, a strong recommendation from an inspiring woman in my life. 

If you're seeking self-compassion and mental calm: 

-Remember to breathe. 

-Try putting your phone to bed outside of your bedroom tonight. See where that takes you and when your body naturally wakes up tomorrow. 

-REAL is providing high-quality care, connection, and support virtually and free through their various offerings of counseling and events.

-Also, have you ever used one of these things?

If you want to spread some love: 

-Surprise someone with a bouquet of digital flowers. Though they may not be able to sense them up close, the feelings are still mutual. Whether it's from your camera roll or on Instagram, just hit send. 

-Joy and laughter are still permitted. Take a few minutes to watch these cute penguins outside their natural habitat. Who doesn't love penguins? 

If you're feeling artsy: 

-Art Life Practice has assembled creative kits for the artists in us all. Raise your hand if you've ever collaged. 

-Float virtually through the Tate Modern's exhibition of Andy Warhol, with a guided tour by their curators. 

-Visit Rome and step into the Colosseum to start your day. Quickly move through the city and head over to the Vatican Museum. Be sure to visit Michelangelo's masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel, this time without having to crook your neck. 

If you want to play a quick game… This post from NYMag senior art critic, Jerry Saltz, circulated a few weeks ago, and I'm bringing it back out for a lighthearted activity and personal acknowledgment. I'm a Caffeinic Chocolate Covered Almond, and you?