An Ode to Gratitude
Hello from home,
The current Coronavirus crisis has brought a lot of change for all of us. From how we interact and connect, to what the future may hold, these drastic shifts can either leave us defeated or create moments of reflection. To be honest, for us it’s often been both. While we’re not sure what lies ahead, we are noticing the unusually clear skies above. When the news is not better than the day before, we’re opening a window and hearing birds sing more often. It is in these small perception shifts that we are trying to see the bigger picture. Amongst the team we’ve had a lot of discussion around how this kind of life event brings to the forefront a sense of spirituality or gratitude. The feeling that we’re all connected to one another becomes more clear.
Now more than ever we’re seeing the importance of our doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, teachers, grocery store employees, delivery workers, home repair technicians and countless others out risking their health to keep our essentials available to us. This realization is a micro-evolution of sorts if we can make it last longer than this isolation period. Can we keep this gratitude for shelter, resources and connection when things speed up again? If we can, some good may come from this.
We’ve compiled a list of things that have kept us afloat over the last few weeks. Some are interactive. Others are for quiet moments to take in some of the beautiful depth humans are capable of. We’ll continue sharing how we’re making it through this, but also – what are you up to? DM us on Instagram or email us, we'd love to know and share.
Love,
Brain Food:
Some of our fave podcasts for mental exploration and curiosity.
Goes deep in a different way, very soothing and and creatively stimulating in how they break down a song and creative process. Listen to episodes with guest musicians like FKA Twigs, Solange, Moses Sumney and Yo Yo Ma.
The Daily | A Bit of Relief “Sugar Calling”
A new show by the New York Times, hosted by best-selling author Cheryl Strayed. A sweet source of insight and courage as she connects with other prolific writers.
A collection of podcasts, meditations and reflections with a focus on poetry as a means of connection.
Malcom Gladwell's Revisionist History
A reflective dive into the past, hosted by one of my favorite authors. Each episode focuses on an idea, person or story that has been overlooked or misunderstood.
For Kids:
Take a break from homeschooling.
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
This is a great series that is fun for most ages under 10, lots of fantastical adventure and fun characters.
Kids stories set to songs by Broadway pros! Great especially for the younger ones.
This kids-content only platform is where we found a current fave," The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel", another kids adventure series. Perhaps better suited for 8+, (but our 5 year old likes it too.)
Anti-Scroll:
Experiences that foster mindfulness, movement, connection and fun.
A guide for everyday mindfulness. I love their clean interface and meditation series for beginners. While normally a small fee, they're now offering some free meditation exercises in this time of greater stress.
Her tutorials for transforming simple pantry ingredients into beautiful clay forms are tantalizing to both watch and create. A calming art practice for kids and adults alike.
Come worship at the house of endorphins - dance your heart out and work your muscles, come as you are, leave invigorated and connected to yourself and others (no religious affiliation, by the way!)
Ryan Heffington's IG Live Dance Classes (@ryan.heffington)
Tri-weekly exercise dance classes bringing a pop of infectious joy to your day. While the choreographer clearly has the killer dance chops (he did the choreo for Sia's "Chandelier"), these so-called Sweatfests are designed for everyone.
Both Dance Church and Ryan Heffington's dance classes are great for kids too!
Music to the Rescue:
With music one of our favorite ways to transform our inner world, we had to share some new tunes getting us through right now...
Gutsy French electro-pop - at once contemplative, exuberant and rebellious.
Modern-soul melodies with Moses Sumney's signature sensual vocals and ethereal instrumentation.
Dancey pop to get you in an upbeat groove, perfect to kick off impromptu dance parties in your quarantine cozies.
This came out at the end of 2019 but we still have it on repeat. One Direction's breakout star finds his (critically-acclaimed) groove. And it's an infectiously nuanced and multi-faceted listen.
Some WFH Vibes
For moments of zen and a sense of calm.
Eight intimate piano compositions – soothing, meditative and envelope you in an ambient glow.
Have your own recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments.
