Over the last week I have taken my business 100% online. I’ve lost about a third of my clients and 90% of my group class revenue, but to be honest, I am so grateful that I even have to option to offer my services from the web, because so many do not have that luxury and are finding themselves suddenly unemployed.
I believe that most of us want to be helping our communities if we can. Social distancing is the main way, but giving is another. I canceled one of my $12.99 app subscriptions (NOT Netflix, lol) and opted in to a monthly auto-pay donation to the Vermont Food Bank for the same amount. Not much, and I am not bragging, I am just giving a personal example. I will be looking for a way to support our local service industry workers as well. In fact, if you know a way, please email me!
Having a open heart and a generous spirit can feel downright dangerous when we are feeling fear, panic, and anxiety. Our instinct is to close off, protect, put up the walls, dig a mote, clench our fists. I know for myself, that is a one way ticket to mental health crisis-town. Behind our closed doors, our hearts can remain open. Finding ways to give, even teeny tiny ways, makes us feel in our power, because we are taking action in the face of fear. Balancing isolation with unity. Just like when we ask when in a yoga pose, “Where must we stay firm so as not to collapse and where can we soften so as not to shatter?”